Pedri will replace Ferran Torres in the Barcelona starting lineup against Athletic Club at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday.
Barcelona will aim to continue the perfect start to the 2024/25 season when they welcome Athletic Club to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Saturday evening. And Hansi Flick has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Andreas Christensen has picked up an injury to his achilles tendon and will be unavailable for several weeks. The veteran Danish defender has joined Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Ansu Fati on the sidelines.
In addition, Ilkay Gundogan has played his final game for Barcelona after rejoining Manchester City this week. Meanwhile, Flick discussed several subjects in his pre-match press conference, including Gundogan’s departure, Dani Olmo’s registration, and Christensen’s fitness issue.
The Barcelona manager said on Gundogan, “After the game against Valencia, I already had that question. He wanted to help us, but he changed his mind this week. I know him and I can only say good things about him. He’s a fantastic player and a fantastic person.”
On Olmo’s registration, Flick said, “It’s not my job to talk about registrations. I really like his work, he is ready to play. I hope he will be ready for tomorrow. He’s a fantastic player. I see him in training, under pressure.”
On Christensen, the Barcelona manager said, “Obviously, we have already spoken, I have to say that he has some problems and today he trained alone. The way he is now he cannot help the team. Last year he played some games with problems and we have to look after him. He is a very good defender and for the club, it is important to have him at 100 per cent. He can’t help us at 80 per cent.”
Christensen did not start against Valencia either, and the backline should remain unchanged. Pau Cubarsi will line up alongside Inigo Martinez at the heart of the defence, with Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde being the two full-backs. Captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen will take his usual spot between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Marc Casado and Marc Bernal will pair up in the double pivot again. Pedri will reprise the no. 10 role, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. So, Ferran Torres will drop to the bench, while Robert Lewandowski will spearhead the attack against Athletic Club.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Bernal, Casado; Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha; Lewandowski
