Pedri will replace Marcus Rashford in the Barcelona starting lineup when they take on Athletic Club at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Wednesday.
Barcelona will aim to secure a spot in the Spanish Super Cup final when they lock horns with Athletic Club at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Wednesday evening. Hansi Flick has no new issues to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Gavi and Andreas Christensen are the only absentees for the Blaugrana, with the duo recovering from long-term knee injuries. Apart from the two players, everyone else has travelled to Riyadh for the Spanish Super Cup.
However, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has picked up an injury that has forced him to return to Spain to undergo tests. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick did not provide fitness updates on any players. However, the German tactician discussed Ronald Araujo’s progress and spoke about his striker options.
The Barcelona manager said, “We’ll see him [Araujo] in training. I want to talk to him. We haven’t decided yet. If he’s ready, maybe we’ll change something. Right now, he’s not in our plans. These things happen. We have to take care of the players. All of them. The players are under pressure, and we’re all human. We make mistakes, and we have to be there to support them. I appreciate what the club did in this situation.”
“At a club like Barcelona, there are two top-level players in every position. Ferran has done well and scored goals, but so has Robert. They both have a good attitude in training and when they’re on the bench. Lewy scored the second goal in the derby. That’s what I want to see. Everyone has to give their best for the team.”
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 Athletic Club on Wednesday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Alejandro Balde.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Eric Garcia and Frenkie de Jong in the double pivot, with Pedri reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Ferran Torres will lead the line for the Blaugrana against Athletic Club, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. So, Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski will be the backup options on the bench.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Eric Garcia, de Jong; Raphinha, Pedri, Yamal; Torres
