Eric Garcia will return to the Barcelona starting lineup when they take on Athletic Club at San Mames on Saturday.
Barcelona will aim to reopen the four-point buffer on Real Madrid atop La Liga when they lock horns with Athletic Club at San Mames on Saturday night. Hansi Flick has received a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are the latest absentees after picking up hamstring injuries in the Copa del Rey clash with Atletico Madrid earlier this week. The duo accompanies Andreas Christensen (knee) and Frenkie de Jong (thigh) in the treatment room.
However, Robert Lewandowski may be in contention after resuming training this week, having missed the cup clash with Atletico Madrid due to a fracture to his left eye socket. Additionally, Gavi is closing in on returning from a knee injury. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick discussed the absence of Kounde and Balde.
The German tactician also provided fitness updates on Lewandowski and Gavi. The Barcelona head coach said, “[It is] normal when you play so many matches. We’ll have to manage it. It gives other players the opportunity.”
“I’m very happy with him [Lewandowski], he’s performing at a high level. Now he’s back, he’s available to play and he’s a fantastic player, capable of scoring 25 or 30 goals. He [Gavi] will travel with us. He’s training with us, but he’s not ready to play yet. Maybe after the next break. We’ll see.”
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 Saturday. The backline will feature Joao Cancelo, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and Gerard Martin.
As for the midfield unit, Marc Bernal and Pedri will continue their blossoming partnership in the double pivot, with Fermin Lopez reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Ferran Torres will lead the line for the away side against Athletic Club, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. So, Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford will be among the backup options on the bench for the Blaugrana.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Cancelo, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Martin; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Ferran Torres
