Ronald Araujo, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Girona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday.
Barcelona will aim to open up a three-point gap over Real Madrid atop La Liga when they host Girona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday afternoon. Hansi Flick has greeted a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Ronald Araujo, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski are fit and ready to return to the starting lineup against Girona. However, Dani Olmo is the latest absentee after picking up a minor injury that will keep him on the sidelines for a few weeks.
The Spanish international has joined Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal on the sidelines. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided a fitness update on his squad amid the relentless fixture pile-up.
The Barcelona manager said, “We are doing very well. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s game. They are all important, the 10 we have left. We have to fight for it and let’s see how it goes. I think all the players can play. We will decide tomorrow, maybe one or two players will be rested. Everyone is available, it’s an optimal situation.”
Flick also discussed the lack of game time for Ansu Fati, Pablo Torres, and Pau Victor. He said, “We have to see if it is possible. We need him and if he is required he will play. Ansu, we know what his situation is, it’s not easy. Pablo Torre, Pau Victor, they are training hard every day and every week. That’s what I want, that they are 100% and that they show us that they want to play. That’s all I can say.”
Wojciech Szczesny will take his spot between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Girona on Sunday. The backline should feature Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Balde.
As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri should pair up in the double pivot, with Fermin Lopez an option if either player needs rest. Gavi will reprise the no. 10 role, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. Finally, Robert Lewandowski should lead the line for the home side against Girona on Sunday.
Barcelona vs Girona Predicted XI
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski