Hansi Flick will unlikely make any changes to the Barcelona starting lineup for the UEFA Champions League clash with SL Benfica on Tuesday.
Barcelona will aim to return to winning ways and get closer to sealing automatic qualification to the next round of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League when they lock horns with SL Benfica at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on Tuesday night. And Hansi Flick has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Dani Olmo is the latest absentee after picking up a muscle injury this past weekend against Getafe. The Spanish international will likely return in a week for the final UEFA Champions League clash of the first phase.
Olmo has joined Marc-Andre ter Stegen (knee), Inigo Martinez (hamstring), and Marc Bernal (knee) on the sidelines. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick discussed Pau Cubarsi’s progress and heaped praise on the teenage sensation.
The Barcelona manager said, “He is always at an incredible level. He’s two days away from his 18th birthday, he’s having a great season.” Flick also lauded Wojciech Szczesny despite the veteran goalkeeper’s lack of game time.
The German tactician said, “It’s one of the things we are discussing. Situations change. We saw what Tek [Szczesny] did in the Super Cup. I really like the way he shows himself on the pitch, but we’ll see tomorrow.”
The Barcelona manager continued, “I think he is one of the best signings we have made. Not only because of the way he plays but also because of his support for the players. It’s great to see him and how he shows his experience to the young players.”
Inaki Pena should retain his spot ahead of Wojciech Szczesny, with the Blaugrana lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against SL Benfica on Tuesday. The backline should feature Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Garnacho.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Marc Casado and Pedri in the double pivot. Olmo’s absence means Gavi will reprise the no. 10 role again as he continues growing in stature and confidence. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the away side against Benfica, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal completing the numbers in the offensive unit.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
