Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been handed a major boost with the return of Lamine Yamal for Sunday’s La Liga clash with Real Oviedo at the Camp Nou, as the Catalans look to reclaim top spot from a relentless Real Madrid.
The teenage winger is back from a European suspension and will slot straight into the starting eleven, offering the direct threat that was sorely missed in midweek. He’ll be joined in a reshuffled backline by fellow youngster Pau Cubarsi, who returns to partner Gerard Martin at centre half, with Jules Kounde expected to shift to right back and Alejandro Balde on the left.
The news isn’t all good for Flick, however. The hamstring injury suffered by Pedri against Slavia Prague has ruled him out, joining a lengthy injury list that includes Andreas Christensen, Gavi, and Ferran Torres. “We have to manage the squad carefully,” Flick admitted in his pre match press conference, hinting at the need for rotation.
In Pedri’s absence, the midfield double pivot is set to feature Eric Garcia alongside the metronomic Frenkie de Jong. Ahead of them, the in form Fermin Lopez will be tasked with the creative burden in the number ten role. Flick was full of praise for the academy graduate, stating: “He can change games, and that’s what we need. He brings intensity and dynamism… he’s fantastic in front of goal.”
The front three picks itself, with Yamal’s return on the right pushing Raphinha over to the left flank. The evergreen Robert Lewandowski will lead the line, hoping to add to his tally against an Oviedo side whose goalkeeper, Aarón Escandell, has already publicly fretted about facing Barca’s “two daggers” on the wing.
With Ronald Araujo deemed fit enough only for a potential substitute appearance, Flick will rely on his available firepower to break down a well organised opponent. A win is non negotiable to keep pace with Madrid in what’s becoming a two horse title race. Anything less, and the pressure will crank up another notch in Catalonia.
Predicted Barcelona XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Eric Garcia, de Jong; Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
