Gavi and Frenkie de Jong will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against SL Benfica for the clash in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday.
Barcelona will aim to take a step closer to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals when they lock horns with SL Benfica at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica for the first leg of the round of 16 on Wednesday night. Hansi Flick has no new injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Andreas Christensen remains on the sidelines due to the recurrence of his recent injury woes. The Danish international accompanies Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal on the sidelines, with the duo recovering from long-term knee issues. The away side’s travelling squad has no surprise exclusions apart from the trio.
However, Gavi missed training on Monday due to a fever, and he is doubtful to face SL Benfica on Wednesday. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided a fitness update on Gavi. The German tactician also heaped praise on Robert Lewandowski while comparing Gavi and Dani Olmo.
The Barcelona manager said, “We will see. He didn’t train yesterday as he didn’t feel well. The doctor will see him and we will decide. Gavi can play in different positions, he’s a presser and he gives us a defensive approach. He plays well with the ball. Olmo enjoys playing in that position, he scores goals and creates chances.”
On Lewandowski, Flick said, “It’s always good to have a striker who scores so many goals and the team gives him that chance. It’s a collective mission. That’s the key. We have to keep going the way we’ve been going for the last two months.”
Wojciech Szczesny will retain his spot between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against SL Benfica on Wednesday. The backline should feature Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Balde, with Gerard Martin making way for Balde.
As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong should replace Marc Casado as Pedri’s partner in the double pivot. Gavi will likely come in for Dani Olmo to reprise the no. 10 role, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha continuing on the flanks. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will spearhead the away side’s attack against SL Benfica on Wednesday.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski