Andreas Christensen will replace Gerard Martin in the Barcelona starting lineup when they host Racing Santander at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
Barcelona will aim to continue the perfect start to the 2026/27 season when they welcome Racing Santander to Camp Nou on Wednesday night. Hansi Flick has no new issues to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
The German tactician was initially sweating over Gerard Martin’s availability after he sustained a cut to his face this past weekend against Levante. However, a start against Racing Santander is unlikely, with a return on the weekend likely.
So, Frenkie de Jong (knee) and Roony Bardghji (ACL) are the only absentees for the home side for the midweek La Liga clash. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick did not provide a fitness update on any player. Instead, he talked about the growing discussion on the Ballon d’Or award and the struggles of Gavi and Alejandro Balde.
The Barcelona manager said, “I am only talking about Lamine Yamal, not Kylian Mbappé. Lamine Yamal is honest and confident and he has had a great start to the season. He want to win the Ballon d’Or, which is normal for a player. I will support him.”
Speaking about Gavi and Balde, he said, “All our footballers are important to us; every player in the squad is vital and we need them all. Gavi is very ambitious and always wants to play. He started the first match, then got injured, and came back afterwards. The team is performing well, but we need everyone.”
“He [Balde] is not happy about not playing, about not getting any playing time. He was used to being a key player and it’s only natural that he’s not happy.”
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 Racing Santander on Wednesday. The backline will feature Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen, and Xavi Espart.
As for the midfield unit, Rodri and Pedri will continue to pair up in the double pivot, with Fermin Lopez reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Raphinha will lead the line for the home side against Racing Santander, with Anthony Gordon and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Christensen, Espart; Pedri, Rodri; Yamal, Fermin, Gordon; Raphinha
