Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha will return to the Barcelona starting lineup when they take on Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on Sunday.
Barcelona will aim to reopen the four-point gap atop the 2025/26 La Liga table when they lock horns with Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on Sunday. Hansi Flick has no new issues to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Gavi and Andreas Christensen remain in the treatment room due to their respective knee injuries. Apart from the duo, Flick has a full-strength squad for the game against Real Sociedad, and Joao Cancelo is in contention for his second debut for the Blaugrana.
However, the German tactician is sweating over Raphinha’s fitness, as the Brazilian international is struggling with a knock. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick discussed Raphinha’s fitness. He also discussed why he has rotated Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski this season.
The Barcelona manager said, “He didn’t train because he took a knock. We still don’t know whether he’ll be available against Real Sociedad.”
On the rotation between Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski, Flick said, “We have players who start matches and others who finish them. Everyone is important. That’s what I want for my team. They help us win games, and that’s what matters.”
Meanwhile, during his presser, Flick also addressed the speculation surrounding Marc-Andre ter Stegen amid his links with Girona. The Barcelona boss said, “I don’t have any more information. As far as I’m concerned, he’s in the team tomorrow.”
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 Real Sociedad on Sunday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and Alejandro Balde.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Pedri and Frenkie de Jong in the double pivot, with Fermin Lopez reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Ferran Torres will lead the line for the away side against Real Sociedad, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. However, Marcus Rashford will start on the left flank if Raphinha is not fit to start on Sunday.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Balde; Pedri, de Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Ferran Torres