Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Valencia in the Copa del Rey quarter-final clash at the Mestalla on Thursday.
Barcelona will aim to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals when they lock horns with Valencia at the Mestalla in the quarter-final on Thursday night. Hansi Flick has a new injury concern that is hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Gavi is doubtful to take on Valencia after a head collision this past weekend against Deportivo Alaves. Meanwhile, Dani Olmo’s participation remains uncertain as he continues his battle to return to action from his spell on the sidelines.
In addition, Marc-Andre ter Stegen (knee), Andreas Christensen (calf), and Marc Bernal (knee) are long-term absentees. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided a fitness update on Olmo while confirming his starting goalkeeper for Thursday’s game.
The Barcelona manager said, “Regarding Dani we will see, he is an option in the second half. Regarding Gavi, the protocol is as it is. He won’t be available for tomorrow. We have to look after him, the blow he got was very hard for him. Dani has shown in many games how important he is for us. He scores goals, he knows how to keep the ball.”
“It’s important to have players like him in the team, but we have to look after him. He’s been injured quite a lot, but we also have to make him play. We have to be careful, we have to know how he feels so we can adapt. He’s very important for us.”
Meanwhile, the Barcelona manager’s comments on the goalkeepers read, “Szczesny is number one. It’s clear. I understand that you compare two players. Inaki is a fantastic goalkeeper, but we chose Tek because of his personality and his style. He is doing well. They are both great goalkeepers. The decision is the one we have made and we have to stick with it. We always decide for the good of the team and that’s how I want to do it.”
Szczesny will take his place between the sticks, with the away side lining up in a 4-3-3 formation in front of him against Valencia on Thursday. The backline should feature Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Balde.
As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong will likely replace Marc Casado in the trifecta in the middle of the park. The Dutchman will accompany Fermin Lopez and Pedri in the central areas. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the away side against Valencia, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde; Pedri, de Jong, Fermin; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
