Hansi Flick’s potential Barcelona lineup for their historic Camp Nou return against Athletic Club features several key players, including Joan Garcia and Jules Kounde, back from injury.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is anticipated to utilize a 4-2-3-1 formation against Athletic Club at Camp Nou, with several key changes necessitated by suspensions and injuries to established first-team players.
Barcelona is set to welcome Athletic Club to the newly renovated Camp Nou this Saturday, aiming to build on their impressive 4-2 victory against Celta Vigo before the international break.
According to a report from football news sources, manager Hansi Flick is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, incorporating several key adjustments due to injuries and a suspension. The return of Joan Garcia to the starting lineup in goal is anticipated, following his recovery from knee surgery, replacing Wojciech Szczesny.
The back four is predicted to feature a youthful core, consisting of Eric Garcia at right-back—who continues to wear a protective mask—alongside centre-backs Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsi, with Alejandro Balde completing the defense on the left flank.
The midfield pivot will see changes as Frenkie de Jong is unavailable due to suspension after his red card against Celta Vigo.
To cover this gap, Marc Casado is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Fermin Lopez, provided Casado is declared fully fit after recovering from adductor pain. Dani Olmo is slated to function in the number ten position, carrying “most of the creative burden” for the team.
The attack will be spearheaded by Robert Lewandowski, who is back in form after scoring a hat-trick in the last league match. He will be supported on the wings by Lamine Yamal on the right and Marcus Rashford on the left.
Notable long-term absences include Pedri, Gavi, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.