Barcelona will aim to inch closer to the league title when they welcome Real Madrid to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday afternoon. Hansi Flick has greeted positive updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Alejandro Balde has received the medical “all clear” to return to action after his spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury. The same goes for Marc Casado, who has recovered from a knee issue to be fit and available to take on Real Madrid.
In addition, Robert Lewandowski is ready to start after appearing off the bench against Inter Milan earlier this week. So, Jules Kounde, Marc Bernal, and Pablo Torre are the only players on the sidelines. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided a fitness update on several players, including Balde.
The Barcelona manager said, “I don’t think so from the start [Balde and Casado to start]. Gerard and the rest of the players are doing very well, we have to be very careful. I think in the second half they can get minutes.”
“We can see that both players [Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin] are very professional and have improved a lot since the start of the season. I’m not surprised. When you see Gerard playing in a Champions League semi-final…. He played a fantastic game. We miss Balde, he has been at a great level. It’s good news to have him back.”
Flick confirmed Wojciech Szczesny would retain his spot between the sticks despite Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s availability. Barcelona will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of the veteran Polish goalkeeper, with the backline featuring Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Gerard Martin. Balde will be a backup option on the bench for the home side.
As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will retain their partnership in the double pivot. Dani Olmo 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 Blaugrana against Real Madrid.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Pedri, de Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
