Injury Crisis Forces Flick to Shuffle Barcelona Squad Against Real Oviedo

Barcelona faces their upcoming La Liga challenge with a journey westward to face the recently promoted Real Oviedo this Thursday evening.

This marks the first encounter between these clubs since spring 2001, and Barcelona will be eager to reverse the loss they experienced in that previous match. Following their commanding 3–0 victory over Getafe during the weekend, Barcelona appears well-positioned to secure a positive result against a squad currently sitting in 17th place.

Barcelona is starting to hit their stride after a lackluster beginning to the 2025–26 campaign. Hansi Flick's squad has secured three consecutive victories following the September international window, netting 11 goals combined while resembling the dominant force that controlled Spanish football last season.

However, Flick is currently managing numerous injury concerns. Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde have remained out of action since the stalemate with Rayo Vallecano in late August. Fermín López sustained an injury in the previous match and won't be available. Additionally, the club learned this week that Gavi faces up to five months on the sidelines following knee surgery.

Here's how Barcelona might set up for their encounter with Real Oviedo on Sept. 25.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Real Oviedo (4-2-3-1)

GK: Joan García—The summer signing has impressed consistently and aims to secure his fourth La Liga clean sheet.

RB: Jules Koundé—The French defender maintains his reliable form, showing strength in defense, serving as a possession outlet, and providing consistent attacking overlap on the right flank.

CB: Eric García—Flick appears to prefer Eric García over Ronald Araújo in central defense. The adaptable Spanish player has performed excellently and has already started in every defensive role this season.

CB: Pau Cubarsí—Cubarsí was rested in the last match and will resume his regular defensive position. Following Iñigo Martínez's exit, Cubarsí has established himself as the preferred left center back.

LB: Gerard Martín—Martín has performed admirably while covering for the sidelined Balde.

CM: Frenkie de Jong—The Dutch midfielder is displaying his finest form since arriving at Barcelona, forming an impressive partnership with Pedri.

CM: Pedri—Barcelona's rhythm controller will partner with De Jong as the orchestrator of the team's ball movement. Should Barça establish a comfortable advantage in the second period, Pedri will likely be withdrawn for rest.

RW: Raphinha—With Yamal unavailable, Raphinha will maintain his position on the right wing. The Brazilian has already contributed five goal involvements in La Liga this campaign.

AM: Dani Olmo—Olmo recorded a goal and assist in the previous outing. Fermín's injury may lead to increased playing time for Olmo in upcoming fixtures.

LW: Marcus Rashford—Following a modest beginning to his Barcelona tenure, Rashford has contributed three goal involvements across his last three appearances, including his double against Newcastle United in the Champions League.

ST: Ferran Torres—Torres has enjoyed an exceptional campaign start with four La Liga goals already. His impressive displays have begun to reduce Robert Lewandowski's playing time.