Pau Cubarsi will return to the Barcelona starting lineup for the 2025/26 La Liga game against Real Oviedo at Estadio Carlos Tartiere on Thursday.
Barcelona will aim to continue the excellent winning run when they lock horns with Real Oviedo at Estadio Carlos Tartiere on Thursday night. Hansi Flick has a new injury concern to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Fermin Lopez is the latest absentee after picking up a groin injury. The Spanish playmaking prospect has joined Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back), Alejandro Balde (hamstring), and Gavi (knee) in the treatment room.
Gavi has undergone a medical procedure to fix his knee issue, and the Spanish international will be unavailable for several months. While Balde has resumed training, the young full-back is not yet ready to return. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided fitness updates on Gavi and Balde.
The Barcelona manager said, “When you receive this information, you say, bad news, but in the end it’s the best thing for him. We have to take care of him, he has to take it step by step and it was the way for him to have a long career. Let him be 100% fit and then take it step by step.”
“He’s a player with a big heart, I’m very happy to have him in the team. It’s not easy for the team, but we’ll be supporting him so he can get back to his best. I think it’s not easy for a young player to receive this news. He was fine, but we have to help him. He’s very professional, especially with his attitude, he’s top class. It’s not easy, but if anyone can get through it, it’s him.”
Discussing Balde’s availability, the Barcelona boss said, “He won’t be available for this match. But we’ll see how he progresses and if he can be available at the weekend. It will all depend on how he feels, but we won’t take any risks.”
Joan Garcia is an automatic pick between the sticks, and the away side will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Real Oviedo on Thursday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, and Gerard Martin, with Andreas Christensen dropping to the bench.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Frenkie de Jong and Pedri in the double pivot. Dani Olmo will continue to reprise the no. 10 role, with Raphinha and Ferran Torres retaining their spots on the flanks. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the Blaugrana against Real Oviedo on Thursday.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin; Pedri, de Jong; Raphinha, Olmo, Torres; Lewandowski
