Ferran Torres will replace Robert Lewandowski in the Barcelona starting lineup when they take on Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday.
Barcelona will aim to inch closer to winning the 2025/26 La Liga title when they lock horns with Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday night. Hansi Flick has received a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Jules Kounde is the latest absentee, as he will serve a suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards. The French international accompanies Andreas Christensen (knee) and Lamine Yamal (hamstring) in the treatment room.
However, Marc Bernal (ankle) and Raphinha (thigh) will be in the travelling squad to take on Osasuna this weekend after recovering from their injuries. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided fitness updates on Christensen, Bernal, Raphinha, and Yamal.
The Barcelona head coach said, “I’m not sure about Andreas, he’ll go step-by-step. Bernal will travel and might get a few minutes. Injuries happen. He [Raphinha] always gives 100%. It’s his mentality, his attitude. He really helps us, but he’s suffered this season. It’s important he is back. He will travel and we will see what happens. He is the captain. We might need him.”
“We’re in touch with the national team doctors. It’s important that Lamine is too. Lamine is making good progress. I think we’ll have him for the World Cup. He has time to recover and that’s what he wants.”
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 Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday. The backline will feature Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Joao Cancelo.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Gavi and Pedri in the double pivot, with Dani Olmo reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Ferran Torres will lead the line for the away side against Osasuna, with Roony Bardghji and Fermin Lopez completing the numbers in the offensive unit. So, Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford, and Frenkie de Jong will be among the backup options on the bench for the Blaugrana.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Gavi, Pedri; Bardghji, Olmo, Fermin; Torres