Following a 4-1 win over Copenhagen in midweek, Barcelona will look to maintain their winning momentum as they take on Elche this weekend.
With Real Madrid breathing down their necks, it is a must-win game for the Catalans as they look to maintain their slender one-point lead at the top of the table.
Fortunately for Hansi Flick, Barcelona will be boosted by the return of Frenkie de Jong, who was absent due to a suspension in midweek.
On the other hand, Ferran Torres appears to have returned to full fitness, having started on the bench against Copenhagen before featuring as a substitute.
De Jong and Ferran to start vs Elche
According to Mundo Deportivo, both Ferran and de Jong, in fact, are in contention to start against Elche as Flick looks to ring in a few changes.
Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona
Ferran Torres should return to starting eleven vs Elche. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
De Jong’s return to midfield will be vital as it will allow Flick to put Eric Garcia back into central defence.
Having conceded in 11 back-to-back Champions League matches, Barcelona will hope Garcia and Pau Cubarsi can help secure a clean sheet this weekend.
As for Ferran, the Spaniard is likely to replace Robert Lewandowski in the number nine position, thus giving some much-needed breather to the Polish international.
It will be an opportunity for Ferran to once again back to scoring form, having already netted 15 goals in all competitions this season.
The former Man City starlet has been linked with a move away from Barcelona lately, though the club have knocked back offers worth around €45 million for the Spanish striker.
How Torres ends the season will be vital as Barcelona look for a long-term replacement for Lewandowski.