Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Espanyol on Sunday, while Wojciech Szczesny continues to wait for his debut.
Eric Garcia, however, is still out because of a knock and won’t be back before the international break. During his pre-game press conference, Flick gave an update on Garcia’s fitness and talked about Araujo’s recuperation. The German strategist also mentioned Frenkie de Jong and Ansu Fati.
“I think he [Garcia] will return after the international break,” the Barcelona boss stated. We had to make the decision that he would train apart from the others. We are not pressuring [Araujo] to come back; he is doing good and getting better, so we don’t need to do that. We need to look after him because it was a major injury. He is working out hard.
Regarding Fati and de Jong, Flick stated, “I really appreciate what I see with Frenkie.” There was peace during the second half against Madrid. He is an excellent member of the team. We’ll see how he adjusts to the lengthy injury. The fact that he is back is quite positive. He [Fati] is 100%, so you could say that I’m thrilled, but I’m not sure if he will start.
In the double pivot in the middle of the park, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri should be back in Barcelona’s starting lineup against Espanyol. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal will remain the wide attackers, while Dani Olmo will return to the number ten position. Robert Lewandowski, meanwhile, is the central striker that cannot be overlooked.
There should be no changes to the backline; Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Jules Kounde will all continue to play. Wojciech Szczesny is still awaiting his debut, therefore Inaki Pena will finally take over in goal.
