Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi will return to the Barcelona starting lineup when they host Real Oviedo at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday.
Barcelona will be eager to reclaim the top spot in La Liga when they welcome Real Oviedo to Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday evening. Hansi Flick has received a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Pedri is the latest absentee after sustaining a hamstring injury in the UEFA Champions League clash with Slavia Praha earlier this week. The Spanish international has joined Andreas Christensen (ACL), Gavi (knee), and Ferran Torres (muscular) in the treatment room.
However, Lamine Yamal is available after missing the game against Slavia Praha due to a suspension. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided a fitness update on Gavi. The German tactician also discussed Ronald Araujo’s progress.
The Barcelona boss said, “I see him [Gavi] almost every day. He’s training and improving a lot. The important thing is to stay calm and go step by step. He has a long career ahead of him and there’s no need to hurry. If he comes back in February, we’ll be happy, but for me the important thing is that he comes back fit.”
“We have to manage his [Araujo’s] minutes and assess how he’s feeling physically. He’s much better and could be an option to start, although we’ll know for sure tomorrow.”
During his presser, Flick also praised Fermin Lopez for his recent impact. The Barcelona boss said, “He can change games, and that’s what we need. He brings intensity and dynamism, and with space he can really hurt opponents. He’s fantastic in front of goal and always presses.”
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 Oviedo on Sunday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Alejandro Balde.
As for the midfield unit, Eric Garcia will pair up with Frenkie de Jong in the double pivot in Pedri’s absence. Fermin Lopez will reprise the no. 10 role, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the home side against Real Oviedo, with Marcus Rashford a backup option on the bench.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Eric Garcia, de Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
