Flick Unveils Pedri's Replacement as Barcelona Faces Real Oviedo—Latest Injury Updates and Starting XI Revealed
Barcelona look to bounce back to winning form in La Liga as they welcome the faltering Real Oviedo on Sunday evening at Camp Nou.
A setback during their trip to Real Sociedad last weekend reduced Barcelona's advantage at the top of La Liga to just one point. Following a hard-fought 4–2 Champions League triumph over Slavia Prague in midweek, Hansi Flick's squad will return to their home ground for the first time since December 13th.
League-bottom Real Oviedo should present a manageable challenge for Barcelona. The away side hasn't secured a La Liga victory since September and are now under their third permanent coach this season. However, Flick's team must stay focused or risk ending the weekend behind Real Madrid in the title chase.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Barcelona received devastating injury news from their midweek Champions League win, as Pedri sustained another hamstring problem that will keep him out for a month according to the club. The midfield talent joins Ferran Torres, Gavi and Andreas Christensen on the injury list for Real Oviedo's arrival.
Luckily for Flick, Dani Olmo has been exceptional in his substitute appearances to begin the year. While naturally an attacking midfielder, Olmo has already played in deeper midfield roles and could do so once more against a passive team likely to defend deep.
Eric García will probably continue at center-back but represents another possible Pedri replacement in midfield, as he maintains his streak of appearing in every Barcelona match this season. In attack, Robert Lewandowski will retain his starting position with Ferran Torres still recovering, and Lamine Yamal will return after sitting out the Prague match due to suspension.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Real Oviedo
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Real Oviedo
GK: Joan García—García's disappointing display contributed significantly to Barcelona's loss last week and he'll seek redemption with his eighth La Liga shutout of the campaign.
RB: Jules Koundé—The French defender has faced heavy criticism recently due to his consistently poor defensive displays this season and must rediscover his top form soon or João Cancelo might begin challenging for his spot.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—Cubarsí was rested midweek but remains Flick's most reliable center-back despite an inconsistent campaign. This marks his first match since celebrating his 19th birthday.
CB: Eric García—Among the top performers in the midweek win and throughout the entire season. García is operating at peak level and the only weekly question is which position he'll fill in the starting eleven. Center-back has emerged as Flick's preferred choice recently.
LB: Alejandro Balde—Similar to Koundé, Balde has been average recently, producing several underwhelming displays. Nevertheless, he remains a guaranteed starter and no other player shares better chemistry with Raphinha on the left flank.
DM: Frenkie de Jong—Barcelona's captain has been absolutely outstanding since the new year began and, with Pedri absent, his improved form comes at the perfect time.
CM: Dani Olmo—Olmo should earn the chance to fill Pedri's role, creating a very offensive-minded formation against a beatable opponent. Olmo netted the decisive goals in both Barcelona's latest La Liga and Champions League wins with spectacular strikes from the bench.
RW: Lamine Yamal—The youngster was absent from the midweek fixture due to suspension but returns hoping to match his display from the Real Sociedad defeat. Despite the loss, he was the standout performer, generating seven scoring opportunities and completing 11 successful dribbles.
AM: Fermín López—López, along with Yamal, are the sole La Liga players to achieve double-figure goals and assists across all competitions this season. Fresh off a two-goal showing midweek, the academy product is developing into an unquestionable world-class attacking midfielder.
LW: Raphinha—The Brazilian was subdued in Prague but continues to be a crucial component of Barcelona's success given the Catalans remain unbeaten this season when he features.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—Time has certainly impacted the legendary striker this campaign, but Lewandowski continues to be a premium threat in the box, with his hunger for goals still burning bright.