Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is facing two major selection dilemmas ahead of this weekend’s El Clasico clash against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Catalan giants, who have won their last four meetings with their fierce rivals, will aim to extend their dominance, but Flick’s preparations are complicated by injuries and fitness concerns within his squad.
In goal, Wojciech Szczesny is expected to retain his place, with Joan Garcia ruled out through injury. The Polish goalkeeper has yet to keep a clean sheet since returning to the starting lineup, but Flick will continue to rely on his experience for this crucial encounter.
However, the main uncertainty lies in the defensive setup, with Ronald Araujo pushing for a recall after being left on the bench in Barcelona’s last two matches.
Araujo’s pace and defensive awareness could prove vital in dealing with Real Madrid’s attacking threats, especially from Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé.
Flick is strongly considering starting the Uruguayan centre-back, though it remains unclear who he would replace. Jules Koundé and Eric Garcia have both impressed recently, and if Araujo comes in for one of them, it could see Garcia shifted to right-back a role he occupied earlier in the season.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are expected to form the double pivot, provided the Dutchman recovers from a minor illness in time.
Their partnership remains central to Barcelona’s style, offering both control and creativity in the middle of the park.
Flick will be hoping De Jong is fully fit, as his ability to dictate tempo and resist Real Madrid’s press will be crucial in maintaining balance.
The second major decision concerns Barcelona’s attacking setup. Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, and Marcus Rashford are all set to start, leaving Flick with the choice between Raphinha and Ferran Torres for the final attacking spot.
Both wingers are returning from hamstring injuries, but only one will be given the medical green light to start.
If Ferran Torres starts, Rashford is expected to play from the left wing, but if Raphinha is preferred, the Englishman would move into the number nine role.
Flick’s selections in both defence and attack could heavily influence the outcome of Saturday’s showdown, as Barcelona look to maintain their dominance over Real Madrid and reinforce their title credentials in La Liga.
