Pau Cubarsi will replace Eric Garcia in the Barcelona starting lineup when they take on Celta Vigo at the Balaidos on Sunday.
Barcelona will be eager to return to winning ways when they lock horns with Celta Vigo at the Balaidos on Sunday night. Hansi Flick has new injury concerns to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Eric Garcia broke his nose in the UEFA Champions League clash with Club Brugge earlier this week, but he is fit and available to take on Celta Vigo. Additionally, Flick is sweating over Jules Kounde’s fitness after the French international missed the team’s final training session.
Meanwhile, Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back), Gavi (knee), Pedri (thigh), and Raphinha (hamstring) remain in the treatment room. Joan Garcia and Andreas Christensen are closing in on returning from their layoffs, but will likely miss out this weekend. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided fitness updates on Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, and Joan Garcia.
The Barcelona manager said, “Eric can play, he’s fine. With a mask, though. Jules? He hasn’t finished training, and I have doubts he’ll make the squad. I don’t think he’ll be ready, but we have another day. We’ll wait and see.”
“We are very happy with his [Joan Garcia] progress, with how he is and with his level. We will wait until after the break and, after the break, he will be back. I think it’s always good to think and talk about how Gavi could help us, but it’s not an option right now. His character, his attitude, his mentality. He’s outstanding in every way. When he’s back, I’d be delighted. But for now, we just have to wait.”
Wojciech Szczesny will continue to deputise for Joan Garcia between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Celta Vigo on Sunday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Balde.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Marc Casado and Frenkie de Jong in the double pivot, with Fermin Lopez reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Ferran Torres will lead the line for the away side against Celta Vigo, with Marcus Rashford and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. So, Robert Lewandowski will be a backup option on the bench.
Celta Vigo vs Barcelona Predicted XI
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Torres