Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong will return to the Barcelona starting lineup when they take on Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday.
Barcelona will aim to usurp Real Madrid at the top of La Liga when they welcome Real Sociedad to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday evening. Hansi Flick has a new injury concern to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Joan Garcia is the latest absentee after picking up a knee injury that will keep him in the treatment room for over a month. The Spanish goalkeeper has undergone surgery on his knee, and he will begin his rehabilitation soon. Additionally, Flick is sweating over Raphinha’s fitness due to a knock.
The first-choice duo has joined Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Fermin Lopez, and Gavi on the sidelines. However, Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal will be in contention to take on Real Sociedad this weekend. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick shared his thoughts about losing Garcia and Raphinha. The German tactician also displayed his confidence in Wojciech Szczesny.
The Barcelona manager said, “These things can happen and we have to adapt. It’s a challenge, but we’ve got a fantastic squad and we’re focusing on that. We can only control what’s in our own hands. We don’t want to worry about who’s missing. The players available will do a great job.”
“It’s not nice to have Joan Garcia out, he was doing well. He got injured in the last game against Oviedo, but these things happen. Now, Tek is back, and if you look at the second half of last season, we won almost every game with Szczesny, he was there, and we won three titles with him. He’s a great goalkeeper, a great person, and I have no doubts about him.”
Flick also confirmed Lamine Yamal’s availability during his presser. The Barcelona boss said, “I don’t have that feeling [regarding relapse]. You never know what might happen. But we are certain that it’s time for him to return. We are happy that he will be available for tomorrow. He will be available tomorrow, but it’s not my job to decide whether Lamine gets called up by the manager. That’s up to him. It’s his decision.”
Wojciech Szczesny is now an automatic pick between the sticks, and the home side will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Real Sociedad on Sunday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, and Gerard Martin, with Pau Cubarsi getting some rest.
As for the midfield unit, Pedri will get some rest, allowing Marc Casado and Frenkie de Jong to pair up in the double pivot. Dani Olmo will reprise the no. 10 role, with Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres being the two wide attackers. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line against Real Sociedad, with Lamine Yamal being a backup option on the bench.
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad Predicted XI
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Eric Garcia, Araujo, Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Casado; Ferran Torres, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski