Dani Olmo and Alejandro Balde will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on Sunday.
Barcelona will aim to continue the excellent start to the 2024/25 season when they lock horns with Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on Sunday evening. Hansi Flick does not have any new injury concerns that are hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, Marc Bernal, and Ferran Torres remain on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Pau Cubarsi suffered multiple bruises on his face after a nasty clash in the UEFA Champions League match against Crvena Zvezda earlier this week.
However, the young Spanish defender should be fit and available to take on Real Sociedad this weekend. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick discussed Cubarsi and other players.
The Barcelona manager said, “I think Pau will be there, he trained with us throughout the session. Lamine has done specific strength work, he has played a lot and we’ll see how he is tomorrow. He has played a lot, and we have to take care of him. Dani Olmo felt a little bad and uncomfortable during the night. This morning he was a little better, they are treating him and we’ll see although I think he will be ready tomorrow.”
Flick also spoke about Frenkie de Jong’s progress, saying, “We have tried to get him to play 90 minutes. And we’ll try it more, we’ll try.”
While Frenkie de Jong has built his fitness and sharpness in the last few games, he will drop to the bench against Real Sociedad, with Dani Olmo replacing the Dutch playmaker in the Barcelona starting lineup. Olmo will reprise the no. 10 role, with Pedri and Marc Casado reprising the no. 10 role.
Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the home team against Real Sociedad, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal continuing as the wide attackers. The backline should one change, with Alejandro Balde returning to the starting lineup, joining Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, and Inigo Martinez in the defensive quartet. Finally, Inaki Pena will retain his spot between the sticks, with Wojciech Szczesny still waiting for his debut.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
