Barcelona Unleashes Star-Studded XI Against Girona: Raphinha and Rashford Decisions Finalized as Injury Updates Shape Explosive Lineup
Still recovering from their devastating defeat in the Spanish capital, Barcelona return to action on Monday as they travel to face regional rivals Girona, aiming to maintain their position in the La Liga championship chase.
Barcelona suffered a crushing 4–0 defeat against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg. This represented the heaviest loss during Hansi Flick's tenure, leaving Barça with an enormous task ahead if they hope to defend their title in the tournament.
However, attention now shifts to La Liga, where Barcelona must maintain their impressive form to preserve their lead at the top, particularly after Real Madrid temporarily overtook the Blaugranas following their victory against Real Sociedad. Securing anything less than maximum points against Girona would constitute a disappointment, especially given Flick's squad needs to bounce back from their midweek setback.
Girona have shown improvement recently, climbing away from the relegation battle in the past few weeks. Nevertheless, Michel's team continues to struggle with injury problems, and Barcelona possess a clear advantage in terms of squad quality.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Both Raphinha and Marcus Rashford were absent from the Madrid trip during the week, weakening Barça's offensive options. While their respective injuries are believed to be relatively minor, the English forward has yet to participate in team training and remains highly doubtful for the Girona encounter.
Raphinha, on the other hand, rejoined training sessions on Saturday and may be considered for the traveling party. However, it could be premature to expect him in the starting formation.
Pedri remains several weeks away from recovering from his hamstring problem. His unavailability was particularly noticeable in the loss to Atlético, as Marc Casadó struggled to provide creativity in midfield and was substituted before the 40-minute mark.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Girona (4-2-3-1)
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Girona (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—Following an excellent beginning to 2026, García has struggled significantly in recent matches, with his difficulties culminating in a costly error that initiated Barça's midweek disaster.
RB: Jules Koundé—The French defender's decline in performance this campaign has been problematic. However, he was among the few players who delivered a decent display at the Metropolitano.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—Cubarsí's lack of physical presence has been targeted by opposition teams throughout the season. The promising youngster needs to find solutions or Ronald Araújo may receive increased playing time.
CB: Eric García—García endured his poorest performance of the season but continues to be one of Flick's preferred players. Despite receiving a red card against Atlético, the ban doesn't extend to La Liga competition and he'll partner Cubarsí.
LB: Alejandro Balde—The gaps Balde creates defensively have provided opponents with opportunities to threaten. The academy product must enhance his positional awareness or risk continued exploitation.
DM: Frenkie de Jong—De Jong struggled to halt Atlético's dominance during the week. Barcelona's skipper will be determined to dictate proceedings from the middle of the park, stabilizing a team that appeared completely disjointed last Thursday.
DM: Marc Bernal—The young player combines excellent passing ability and technical skills with physical presence in midfield, qualities Barcelona urgently require. Following strong recent substitute appearances and full recovery from his ACL setback, Bernal may earn his second league start this season.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Barcelona's dynamic creator was invisible at the Metropolitano. His run of finding the net in five straight matches ended, so the youngster will aim to begin another scoring sequence on Monday.
CM: Fermín López—López's vigor, determination and relentless style could prove vital against Girona's improvised midfield setup. While his output has declined somewhat lately, he might flourish against opponents who leave gaps to exploit.
LW: Dani Olmo—Olmo will operate from the left flank with license to move inward, switching positions with López and Ferran while enabling Balde to provide width through consistent forward runs. Raphinha might return from injury during the second period.
ST: Ferran Torres—Torres will spearhead the attack as Flick seeks to create more fluidity in Barcelona's forward play, exploiting Daley Blind's advancing years, an approach the team attempted in the previous meeting though youngster Toni Fernández failed to make a meaningful contribution.