"Furthermore, key absences through injury will also be a concern for Barça, as they are without Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Joan Garcia, Dani Olmo, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Andreas Christensen. The manager, who himself is suspended and will not be on the touchline, has some major decisions to make in terms of selection, particularly in the defensive line. With the top spot in the La Liga table on the line, here's how Barcelona could take the field against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu."
"With no Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny becomes the automatic starter in goal for Barcelona. The Pole, though, must step up for the team, considering he has a very poor record against Kylian Mbappe. Pau Cubarsi has been a permanent fixture in defence for Barça under Flick, and that will not change tomorrow for the all-important El Clasico. As for his partner, Ronald Araujo is pushing for a start, having been used only as a substitute in the last two matches."
FC Barcelona travel to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season. Barcelona won all four Clasico meetings last season, including the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals. Barcelona have shown inconsistent form recently while Real Madrid have altered their style under Xabi Alonso. Several key players are unavailable through injury, including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Joan Garcia, Dani Olmo, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Andreas Christensen. The manager is suspended and must make selection decisions remotely, with defensive choices particularly affected. Likely defensive starters include Wojciech Szczesny, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, and Alejandro Balde. Frenkie de Jong should be reinstated to midfield.
Read at Barca Universal
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