Pau Cubarsi will replace Inigo Martinez in the Barcelona starting lineup against Atletico Madrid at Estadio Metropolitano on Sunday.
Barcelona will aim to reclaim the summit of La Liga from Real Madrid when they lock horns with Atletico Madrid at Estadio Metropolitano on Sunday evening. Hansi Flick has greeted a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Andreas Christensen is closing in on returning to action after a frustrating campaign thus far with fitness issues. It will not be surprising to see the Danish international returning to the matchday squad against Atletico Madrid this weekend.
However, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal remain on the sidelines due to long-term knee injuries, although the former should return before the 2024/25 season ends. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick discussed Gavi and the speculation surrounding the Spanish midfielder.
The Barcelona manager said, “Of course I talk to him, to everyone. What can I tell you about Gavi, he comes from a very important injury. At the moment, he is not the first one after the injury. The second difficult situation is to come back, but he is one of our best players.”
“Our midfield is very good. He will play for many years in this magnificent club and he will be one of the stars. He will improve a lot, I am convinced. He is very focused and happy to be here. He has hopes of being in the World Cup and I’m convinced he will be.”
Despite Flick’s glowing words, Gavi will likely miss out on a spot in the starting lineup this weekend. Meanwhile, Wojciech Szczesny will retain his place between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Atletico Madrid on Sunday. The backline should feature Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Garnacho.
As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri should pair up in the double pivot, with Marc Casado being a backup option on the bench. Dani Olmo will reprise the no. 10 role, with Gavi as his deputy. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the away side against Atletico Madrid, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal retaining their spots on the flanks.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; de Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
