Pedri and Alejandro Balde will return to the Barcelona starting lineup in the UEFA Champions League clash with Brest on Tuesday.
Barcelona will aim to return to winning ways when they welcome Brest to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday night. And Hansi Flick does not have any new injury concerns that are hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Lamine Yamal is the most notable absentee, with the Spanish international recovering from an ankle injury. The teenage sensation accompanies Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Ansu Fati on the sidelines.
However, Eric Garcia and Ferran Torres are closing in on returning to action, although the duo might not be fit enough to take on Brest. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick spoke about Yamal and Alejandro Balde, among others.
The Barcelona manager said, “Balde had some muscle problems, so we thought he would rest. He’s better today, but I hope he’ll be an option for the matches after Brest. He won’t be available tomorrow. You know his quality. He gives us a lot more space. I think this could be the last game he misses. On Saturday he could be an option from the bench.”
Balde should return to the starting lineup against Brest, replacing Gerard Martin in the left-back berth. The Spanish international will join Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde in the backline. Inaki Pena will continue between the sticks, with Wojciech Szczesny continuing to wait for his debut.
As for the midfield unit, Marco Casado and Frenkie de Jong should continue pairing up in the double pivot. However, the no. 10 berth should witness a change, with Pedri replacing Gavi in the central attacking role as Flick continues to take time to maintain the Barcelona academy graduate’s fitness.
Finally, the offensive trifecta should not see any changes, considering Yamal and Torres are not ready to take on Brest. So, Robert Lewandowski should lead the line for the home side, with Raphinha and Dani Olmo completing the numbers in the final third.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; de Jong, Casado; Olmo, Pedri, Raphinha; Lewandowski
