"The restart of club football after the international break brings Barcelona manager Hansi Flick everything he could have asked for, in a sporting and psychological sense. The reopening of the Spotify Camp Nou in itself is a massive boost to the players, who will look to use it to push themselves harder this season. More importantly, however, Raphinha and Joan Garcia will be back against Athletic Club while Pedri is expected to return in the game against Chelsea."
"Now, however, the close circle of the London-based side are said to be optimistic that he can feature against Flick's side next week. The 23-year-old is indeed far from being match-fit, but the manager has no doubts that he will return directly to the starting lineup if he is cleared, given that his presence completely transforms the team's fluidity and potential. Starting him will be a risk, but one that Maresca sees as having a greater possibility of ending well than otherwise."
The restart of club football returns Hansi Flick favorable sporting and psychological conditions, including the reopening of Spotify Camp Nou, which will boost player motivation. Raphinha and Joan Garcia will be available against Athletic Club, and Pedri is expected to return against Chelsea. Barcelona must win against Chelsea after dropping points to Club Brugge to keep top-eight UCL hopes alive. Chelsea are hopeful of Cole Palmer's return from groin discomfort; he has missed games since late September. Palmer remains short of match fitness, but manager Enzo Maresca would start him if cleared, believing his presence transforms Chelsea's fluidity and potential.
Read at Barca Universal
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