Barcelona will aim to reopen the four-point buffer over Real Madrid atop La Liga when they welcome Sevilla to Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday evening. Hansi Flick has received positive updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Eric Garcia and Lamine Yamal have trained since the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg against Newcastle United earlier this week, and the duo will be fit and available to take on Sevilla this weekend.
However, Andreas Christensen (knee), Jules Kounde (hamstring), Alejandro Balde (thigh), and Frenkie de Jong (hamstring) remain in the treatment room. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided fitness updates on Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Eric Garcia.
The Barcelona head coach said, “I’m happy he [Gavi] is back. We have to take it step by step with him. We’ve seen him in training, and I like what I’ve seen, but we have to manage him. He has the right attitude, he trusts his body, how he can play. We all know Gavi, I love his intensity, everything he gives us.”
“We are confident he [Frenkie de Jong] will return after the international break, but everything is going well. Eric was suspended for the Atletico game and couldn’t play against Newcastle either.”
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 Sevilla at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday. The backline will feature Ronald Araujo, Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, and the returning Eric Garcia. So, Joao Cancelo will be a backup option on the bench for the Blaugrana.
As for the midfield unit, Marc Casado will replace Marc Bernal as Pedri’s partner in the double pivot. Fermin Lopez will reprise the no. 10 role, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. Finally, Ferran Torres will lead the line for the home side against Sevilla. So, Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford, and Roony Bardghji will be among the backup options on the bench for the reigning La Liga champions.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Araujo, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Martin; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Ferran Torres
