Barcelona confirmed starting lineup against Athletic Club in LaLiga
The return of the Joan García to the starting eleven, after two months away, is the big news for Flick’s team.
Joan García is set to be one of the standout figures this Saturday. He returns in goal after almost two months out with a tear in the medial meniscus of his left knee, an injury that required surgery. His comeback also coincides with a significant moment for the club: the long-awaited return to Camp Nou after more than two years playing at Montjuïc.
García’s reappearance will be one of the day’s main talking points, as will Raphinha’s. The Brazilian has also spent two months sidelined, his situation made more complicated by a setback during his recovery. Flick hopes to give him 15 to 20 minutes to help build his match fitness ahead of Tuesday’s game against Chelsea in London.
The midfield will be especially interesting to follow. The German coach cannot call on the injured Pedri or the suspended Frenkie de Jong. As a result, Fermín will play alongside Dani Olmo with Eric García the anchor behind them.
In defence, Flick has gone for Koundé on the right, Gerard and Pau in the middle, and Alejandro Balde on the left.
Further forward, the coach is keeping a close eye on Marcus Rashford’s condition. As he is ultimately unavailable – the club’s explanation of a sudden fever was not particularly convincing – Ferran Torres will start on the left, with Robert Lewandowski leading the line fresh from scoring a hat-trick in his last appearance for Barça.
Lamine Yamal will also feature, now largely recovered from his pubalgia after undergoing radiofrequency treatment during the international break.
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BARCELONA CONFIRMED STARTING XI: Joan García; Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Balde; Eric García, Fermín, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres; Lewandowski.
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