Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha will return to the Barcelona starting lineup when they host Eintracht Frankfurt at the Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday.
Barcelona will be eager to continue the three-match victorious run and return to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League when they welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to the Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday night. Hansi Flick has no new issues to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (lower back), Gavi (knee), and Dani Olmo (shoulder) remain in the treatment room. Additionally, Ronaldo Araujo, who saw red in the Catalan outfit’s last European outing, is on an indefinite break due to mental health issues.
Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick did not provide fitness updates on any player apart from a brief discussion on Marc-Andre ter Stegen. However, the German tactician heaped praise on his young centre-backs, Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin.
The Barcelona manager said, “If possible [ter Stegen could be cleared soon]. I always talk to Marc, but not to Nagelsmann [conversations about the 2026 FIFA World Cup]. [But] Joan Garcia is number one, that’s clear.”
“Everyone knows what we’ve been through these last three months, with injured players, and we had to manage playing time. We only have six players in defence. In the final minutes, fatigue sets in, and it’s not always easy to maintain a high level.”
Speaking directly about Cubarsi and Martin, the Barcelona boss said, “They played at a different level than a month ago. Cubarsi is only 18 years old, and we sometimes forget that. Cubarsi completed 87 passes with 100% accuracy against Betis. I think that’s a La Liga record.”
“Sometimes it’s good to have players who like to work hard. They have the right attitude and mentality. They give their all on the pitch. Gerard always tries to do his best for the club. It’s a dream of his to play for Barça, and we can see that. He has confidence in what he can do. He’s very good for us. In this position, a left-footed player gives us more options with the ball. He’s doing very well.”
Joan Garcia is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Alejandro Balde.
As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong will line up alongside Pedri in the double pivot, with Fermin Lopez reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the home side against Eintracht Frankfurt, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. So, Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres will be among the backup options on the bench.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Martin, Cubarsi, Balde; de Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
