Gavi and Robert Lewandowski will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday.
Barcelona will aim to return to winning ways and reclaim the top spot in La Liga from Atletico Madrid when they welcome Real Sociedad to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday afternoon. Hansi Flick has a new injury concern that is hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Andreas Christensen has suffered a setback during his recovery trail and will be unavailable for the foreseeable future. The Danish international accompanies long-term absentees Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick discussed Christensen’s latest setback. The German tactician also responded to questions about whether he would make any rotations ahead of the UEFA Champions League game against SL Benfica.
The Barcelona manager said, “I am very happy about the situation, we need very good players for this position. Everyone sees Andreas, who has had an injury in training. We will have to wait and see how serious it is. Let’s hope it’s not too serious. He has left early. We have very good defenders. With Ronald, he came back from a long injury and he’s doing very well. He is a very good leader and he has everything.”
Flick said on possible rotations, “Yes, I think we will change things. As we said, we need fresh players, we need them to be good. It’s a good day to do it, there will be changes. But I won’t say which ones.”
The Barcelona boss will unlikely make heavy rotations, although some changes are on the cards. Wojciech Szczesny will retain his spot between the sticks, with the home side lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Real Sociedad on Sunday. The backline should feature Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Balde, with Inigo Martinez dropping to the bench.
As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri should pair up in the double pivot again, with Marc Casado likely returning in the Champions League game. Gavi will reprise the no. 10 role, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the Blaugrana against Real Sociedad. So, Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo will be among the backup options on the bench.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
