Flick Scrambles Barcelona Lineup as Injuries Force Major Changes Against Sevilla
Barcelona make their way back to Camp Nou this Sunday afternoon as they host Sevilla. While striving to maintain their position at the top of La Liga, the club has their focus partially set on upcoming fixtures.
In what can only be described as extraordinary circumstances, Barcelona managed to secure a 1–1 draw at St James' Park during the week against Newcastle United in the Champions League round of 16 first leg. Hansi Flick's squad was dominated throughout most of the encounter, with the physical state of his visibly exhausted players presenting a concerning spectacle.
Given that the return leg is scheduled for Wednesday evening, Flick might consider implementing significant squad rotation for Sunday's encounter against an opponent that has secured victory in just two of their previous 12 matches. Nevertheless, Sevilla dominated Barcelona in their earlier meeting this season, and the Catalan side cannot afford to lose points in this fixture.
Opportunity for Squad Players to Step Up
Opportunity for Squad Players to Step Up
Lamine Yamal was absent from Thursday's training session due to illness. While there are no significant worries about his availability, Flick might exclude him from the starting eleven to ensure he's fresh for Wednesday's crucial match.
Similar considerations apply to Pedri and Marc Bernal, who both appeared completely drained at St James' Park, leading to the former's substitution after 60 minutes and the latter requiring a late change due to cramping issues.
Eric García was unavailable for the midweek fixture due to muscular fatigue and isn't anticipated to return until Wednesday's second leg, joining Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen, Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde on the injury list for the Sevilla match. Gavi, though, has recovered from his injury layoff after receiving medical clearance for his much-anticipated comeback.
With substantial squad rotation anticipated, peripheral and backup players will receive an opportunity to showcase their abilities on Sunday, including one individual who might earn his inaugural professional start.
Barcelona Expected Formation vs. Sevilla (4-2-3-1)
Barcelona Expected Formation vs. Sevilla (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—The Spanish goalkeeper will be seeking his fourth clean sheet in Barcelona's previous five home encounters.
RB: Xavi Espart—Being introduced in the closing moments against Newcastle in front of a hostile crowd served as the teenager's professional debut baptism of fire. Despite this, Espart maintained his composure and executed several crucial defensive actions, warranting a starting position against Sevilla.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—Barcelona's defensive options are severely limited at this stage of the campaign, meaning Cubarsí won't receive the luxury of rest.
CB: Gerard Martín—Following another composed and assured display under Champions League pressure, the "Gerard Maldini" moniker appears here to stay for the immediate future.
LB: João Cancelo—Cancelo has performed reliably in recent fixtures and despite showing his finest form on the right flank supporting Yamal, he'll continue deputizing at left-back while Balde remains sidelined.
DM: Marc Casadó—This campaign has proven challenging for Casadó, as he struggles to recapture the form that established him as an automatic starter during Flick's early tenure. He'll receive another opportunity to demonstrate his worth, enabling those above him in the pecking order to recuperate.
DM: Dani Olmo—A brilliant shoulder feint from Olmo that earned a penalty was Barcelona's saving grace in securing a favorable result from their English expedition. He'll operate in a deeper midfield position this time, fulfilling Pedri's typical responsibilities.
RW: Roony Bardghji—Playing time has been scarce for Bardghji this season, yet when afforded starting opportunities, he's consistently displayed flashes of his considerable talent.
AM: Raphinha—The Brazilian will move into a central position to occupy the attacking midfielder role, as he did in the latter stages against Newcastle and on numerous previous occasions this season. Currently experiencing a rough patch, a strong showing on Sunday would significantly boost his morale.
LW: Marcus Rashford—Should Rashford desire to establish Barcelona as his long-term destination, he must recapture the form, energy and commitment that previously made him such a crucial player. His recent performances have been largely ineffective.
ST: Ferran Torres—Torres receives the starting nod as Flick continues rotating the striker position. The struggling Spanish forward hasn't found the net in his last nine outings.