Barcelona Face Crucial Pedri and Rashford Decisions as Injury Concerns Shape Levante Clash Lineup
Securing three points is absolutely crucial for Barcelona this Sunday as they host relegation-battling Levante at Camp Nou.
After dropping behind Real Madrid at the top following their loss at Girona last weekend—a painful defeat that came on the heels of their Copa del Rey embarrassment against Atlético Madrid—the Catalan giants desperately need to get back to winning form this weekend.
Levante's arrival presents an ideal opportunity to bounce back, with the visitors firmly entrenched in the drop zone, though Barcelona cannot afford to take anything for granted.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Hansi Flick and Barcelona fans were delighted to learn that injured players Pedri and Marcus Rashford have both resumed training sessions. While both should be available for Sunday's encounter, neither is expected to feature in the starting eleven.
Gavi has also made progress in his recovery from knee surgery, participating in certain group training exercises, though his competitive return remains some time away.
Andreas Christensen continues his rehabilitation from a partial ACL injury.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Levante (4-3-3)
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Levante (4-3-3)
GK: Joan García—Following a disastrous showing against Atlético, García bounced back to his typical level against Girona. He made several excellent saves despite the defeat.
RB: Jules Koundé—While Koundé's form dip remains worrying for Barcelona, he delivered a solid performance against Girona, even providing the assist for Pau Cubarsí's goal.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—The young defender, despite finding the net last weekend, keeps getting caught out by Flick's extremely high defensive line, with Levante likely to test the vast spaces behind Barcelona's defense.
CB: Eric García—The Spanish center-back has struggled badly in consecutive losses, yet Flick appears ready to stick with one of his trusted players.
LB: Alejandro Balde—After being dropped against Girona, Balde is set to reclaim his spot against Levante. He'll be hoping for a shutout against opponents who have failed to score in three of their past five outings.
CM: Fermín López—Barcelona's energetic midfielder could prove decisive against Levante, with his tireless running and confident ball-carrying making him a constant danger.
CM: Frenkie de Jong—The elegant Dutch midfielder will welcome Pedri's eventual return from injury, but until then he must serve as both Barcelona's defensive anchor and creative hub in midfield.
CM: Dani Olmo—Flick needs Olmo to produce something special against Levante, with the attacking midfielder excelling in Barcelona's recent home victories against weaker sides—contributing one goal and three assists in comprehensive 3–0 wins over Mallorca and Real Oviedo.
RW: Lamine Yamal—After squandering a vital penalty against Girona, Yamal will be eager to channel his disappointment against the division's most porous defense.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—Following a deeply underwhelming performance against Girona, Ferran Torres might be replaced by Lewandowski. The Polish striker offers the clinical finishing Barcelona requires.
LW: Raphinha—With eight goal contributions in nine appearances since the winter break, Raphinha will be nearly unstoppable for Levante's struggling defensive unit.