Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres will return to the Barcelona starting lineup when they host Osasuna at the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday.
Barcelona will be eager to continue the recent winning run when they welcome Osasuna to the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday afternoon. Hansi Flick has no new issues to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (lower back), Gavi (knee), and Dani Olmo (shoulder) remain in the treatment room. Additionally, Ronald Araujo is indefinitely unavailable due to mental health issues.
Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick discussed the competition for places in his squad while talking about Frenkie de Jong, Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford. The German tactician also answered questions about the goalkeeping hierarchy.
The Barcelona manager said, “When you play in several competitions, it’s important to have several players in the same position. I’m very happy I have that. This improves all the players. We have a lot of competition. The competition between Ferran and Lewy is good for them and for the team. Lewy or Ferran are both in perfect form. We’ll see who starts.”
“We’re in this moment right now. We’ve played some great games. Frenkie was out for the last few games, now he has to improve, that’s normal. I’m not worried because he will give us his best on the pitch when he recovers. When he’s [Rashford] on the bench, we do it for the good of the team. He’s a professional. His mentality has been fantastic from the start. He’s showing his best form. He’s very happy to be here.”
Speaking about the goalkeeping hierarchy, the Barcelona boss said, “Joan is number one. That’s it. I’m not saying two or three. We have confidence in all three goalkeepers. We have no plans to replace Joan. He’s number one and he’s doing very well. I talk to my players, it’s my job. But it’s something between the two of us.”
Joan Garcia will take his usual spot between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Osasuna on Saturday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Alejandro Balde.
As for the midfield unit, Eric Garcia and Pedri will continue to pair up in the double pivot. Raphinha will reprise the no. 10 role, with Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford being the two wide attackers. Finally, Ferran Torres will lead the line for the home side against Osasuna, with Robert Lewandowski being a backup option on the bench.
Barcelona vs Osasuna Predicted XI
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Pedri, Eric Garcia; Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford; Ferran Torres