Eric Garcia will make a rare start for Barcelona, while Ronald Araujo and Raphinha will miss out when they host CA Osasuna at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Thursday.
La Liga table-toppers Barcelona will aim to widen the gap over Real Madrid when they welcome CA Osasuna to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Thursday night. Hansi Flick has new roster issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Marc Casado is the latest absentee after picking up a knee injury against Atletico Madrid before the international break. The Spanish international has joined Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal on the sidelines. In addition, Flick is sweating over Pau Cubarsi’s fitness after the youngster sustained a knock during the international break.
In addition, Ronald Araujo and Raphinha will not be ready to feature in the matchday squad as they will have returned late from international duty. However, there is some good news, with Inigo Martinez resuming training after not participating in the international break. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick confirmed Araujo and Raphinha’s absence for Thursday’s match.
The Barcelona manager said, “Raphinha and Araujo will not be in the squad tomorrow. They have a long flight and they have to recover.”
Meanwhile, Araujo confirmed his team’s central defensive pairing for Thursday’s La Liga game. The German tactician said, “Eric and Inigo will be the centre-backs for tomorrow’s game. Cubarsi’s injury is not important but we prefer him to rest.”
Flick was also sweating over Robert Lewandowski’s fitness after the veteran striker picked up a knock during the international break. The Barcelona manager said, “He is fit, he can play. We will decide tomorrow.”
Lewandowski should lead the line for the home side against CA Osasuna, with Dani Olmo reprising the no. 10 role. Fermin Lopez should replace Raphinha, joining Lamine Yamal in the wide attacking pairing. So, Ferran Torres will be a backup option on the bench for the Blaugrana.
As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong should replace the injured Casado as Pedri’s partner in the double pivot. The backline should see one change, with Eric Garcia joining Inigo Martinez, Jules Kounde, and Alejandro Balde in the defensive quartet. Finally, Wojciech Szczesny will retain his spot between the sticks.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Garcia, Martinez, Balde; Pedri, de Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Fermin; Lewandowski
