Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde will return to the Barcelona starting lineup when they host Atletico Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday.
Barcelona will be eager to take a step closer to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals when they welcome Atletico Madrid to Spotify Camp Nou for the first leg of their quarter-final on Wednesday night. Hansi Flick has a new injury concern to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Marc Bernal is the latest absentee after sustaining an ankle injury in the league clash with Atletico Madrid this past weekend. The Spanish midfield prospect has joined Andreas Christensen (knee), Frenkie de Jong (match fitness), and Raphinha (hamstring) on the sidelines.
However, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, and Gavi are closing in on being fit enough to start games again. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick did not provide a fitness update on any player. However, the German tactician discussed the upcoming physical battle against Atletico Madrid and spoke about the importance of Marcus Rashford and Lamine Yamal to his squad.
The Barcelona boss said, “It’s true that on Saturday [the 2-1 win at Atletico in La Liga] a lot of their players rested but they were still very good. They like to defend deep and it’s not easy scoring twice at Atletico. I hope the physical aspect is not decisive.”
“He [Rashford] is important. We know he’s fantastic with the ball, but defending is part of the game. He’s doing well and adapting. What we have to remember is that Lamine is 18 years old. He’s an incredible player. Sometimes you see what he does, and it’s amazing, especially in one-on-one situations. But he’s only 18.”
The Barcelona manager added, “Sometimes he gets upset when I sub him out, maybe because he’s trying to take on four or five defenders and shoot. He might be frustrated. He’s emotional, and that’s okay. We support him. We help him grow. We have to look out for him. I know everyone is watching him because he’s fantastic. But he’s only 18. We all make mistakes. We’ll always protect him. He’ll be the best in the future.”
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 Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Joao Cancelo.
As for the midfield unit, Eric Garcia 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 Atletico Madrid, with Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford being the two wide attackers.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Eric Garcia, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Rashford; Lewandowski