Dani Olmo and Frenkie de Jong will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Atletico Madrid for the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Tuesday.
Barcelona will aim to take a step closer to the Copa del Rey final when they welcome Atletico Madrid to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys for the semi-final first leg on Tuesday night. Hansi Flick has a new injury concern that is hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Flick has been sweating over Lamine Yamal’s fitness after he picked up a big knock on his foot this past weekend against UD Las Palmas. The home side will take a late call on the Spanish international’s involvement in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal are long-term absentees, although the former might return before the 2024/25 season ends. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick discussed Yamal’s fitness and whether the referees should protect players more. The German tactician also confirmed Dani Olmo’s progress.
The Barcelona manager said, “We have to wait and evaluate. I think he will be able to play, I have positive feelings. I wouldn’t say that referees should protect one player in particular, everyone. The VAR should look at hard tackles to show reds to avoid these actions. We have to protect the players if there is a foul.”
“It also happened to us with Dani and Casado. There should be more sensitivity about this. If they see a yellow card, the defenders might think more about it before making another foul. In Spain, one-on-one football is very popular, it’s a special characteristic, also in Barcelona, the fans like it a lot and we must take care of it.”
The Barcelona boss said on Olmo, “I think yes, he is ready to be a starter and play 90 minutes. For me, the most important thing is that he can start from the beginning, we have to look after him and that’s what we’ve been doing. The goal he scored against Las Palmas was very important.”
Olmo should return to the starting lineup, reprising the no. 10 role, with Fermin Lopez dropping to the bench. Lamine Yamal might be fit enough to start against Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish international accompanying Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha in the final third.
As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong should replace Marc Casado as Pedri’s partner in the double pivot. The backline should see a few changes, with Ronald Araujo and Inigo Martinez pairing up at the heart of the defence. The duo will accompany Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde in the defensive quartet. Finally, Wojciech Szczesny will retain his spot between the sticks.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Balde; de Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Olmo, Yamal; Lewandowski
