Gavi and Ronald Araujo will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against CD Leganes at Estadio Municipal Butarque on Saturday.
Barcelona will aim to return to winning ways in La Liga when they lock horns with CD Leganes at Estadio Municipal Butarque on Saturday night. Hansi Flick has no new issues to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
While Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Dani Olmo have resumed training, the duo remain on the sidelines and will not take on CD Leganes this weekend. The German international accompanies Marc Bernal, Marc Casado, and Dani Olmo on the sidelines.
However, while the Blaugrana came through unscathed against Borussia Dortmund earlier this week, it will not be surprising to see Flick resting a few players this weekend. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, the German tactician provided a fitness update on Olmo. He also discussed the possibility of rotations.
The Barcelona manager said, “He [Dani Olmo] won’t play tomorrow and it’s better that he stays here at home after training these last two days. He won’t play or travel.”
“As the coach, I don’t confirm anything [on rotations]. You have to bear in mind that you have to make changes because there are a lot of games. It’s important to give the players some rest from time to time. It’s very important. A team is not about the starting 11 but about the 26 players we have. The key to everything is that we are a team and anyone who can play can contribute. Everyone knows what they have to do.”
Wojciech Szczesny should continue deputising for Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against CD Leganes on Saturday. The backline should feature Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, and Alejandro Balde.
As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri should pair up in the double pivot again, although Eric Garcia is an option if Flick wants to rotate. Gavi will replace Fermin Lopez as the advanced midfielder, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha continuing on the flanks. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will likely make way for Ferran Torres as the central striker on Saturday.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde; de Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Torres
