The plan of Flick to save the match against Girona

The FC Barcelona returns to action after the second international break of the season. This morning, the last internationals —Cubarsí, Pedri, and Rashford— have rejoined in the penultimate training session before the clash against Girona, which will take place this Saturday at 16:15 hours at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc.

The ‘FIFA virus’, once again in the spotlight

The international break has once again taken its toll on the blaugrana squad. The injuries of Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski will keep them off the pitch for several weeks, meaning they will not be available for the Clásico on the 26th against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Additionally, Ferran Torres returned early due to a muscle overload, although his participation in the Catalan derby this weekend seems assured.

The Barça infirmary

Currently, there are eight injured players just 48 hours before the duel in Montjuïc: Ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Gavi, Fermín, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal. Among them, the only ones with a chance of receiving medical clearance in time are Fermín and Lamine Yamal. The young winger was called up again by the Spanish national team despite the discomfort in his pubis. Finally, the club confirmed his absence and he was uncapped, so it is expected that he will receive medical clearance for the weekend. As for Fermín, he was injured in the last play of the match against Getafe. Although he is already training with the group, the coaching staff prefers to be cautious since it is a muscle injury.

Victory is a must

The culé team faces the match after two consecutive defeats: against Paris Saint-Germain by 1-2 in the Champions League, in a very even match against the reigning European champion, and a painful 4-1 against Sevilla in LaLiga. With Real Madrid leading the standings by two points, Barça cannot afford any more setbacks before the direct clash against the whites. Winning against Girona is, therefore, a priority to regain confidence and stay in the fight for the lead.

An eleven with necessary adjustments

Hansi Flick will have to make important adjustments to assemble a competitive team. The German coach knows he will have to rely on players from La Masia to complete the squad and have alternatives from the bench. In defense, everything is in order: Koundé and Balde will occupy the flanks, while among the center-backs —Cubarsí, Christensen, Araujo, and Eric— the coach will choose the pair that best fits the game plan. Cubarsí and Christensen come from international commitments, while Araujo and Eric have been training in the Catalan capital. The biggest challenge lies in the midfield, where only Pedri, Casadó, and De Jong from the first team are available. If Fermín receives medical clearance, he could get minutes, although his starting position is not guaranteed. Flick is considering the possibility of pushing Pedri to the attacking midfield or betting again on Dro, as he did against Real Sociedad. In the forward line, options are limited due to the absences of Raphinha and Lewandowski. Everything points to the offensive trident being formed by Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres —despite his discomfort— and Rashford, who has just rejoined after his time with the English national team.