Barcelona faces a crucial La Liga clash against Girona on , navigating a challenging landscape of injuries and aiming to maintain their position atop the league table. The match presents a significant test for Hansi Flick’s side, particularly as they prepare for a demanding schedule that includes a Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
The Catalan club is currently dealing with several key absences. Andreas Christensen remains sidelined with a calf injury, with no clear timeline for his return. The defender’s limited playing time this season, due to ongoing injury issues, further complicates Barcelona’s defensive options. Marc Bernal is also out for the season after suffering an ACL injury against Rayo Vallecano earlier in the campaign, focusing on rehabilitation with the goal of being ready for the pre-season.
Perhaps the most significant concern is the continued absence of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in September. However, there is positive news on that front, as the German international is back on the training field and making good progress in his recovery. His return will be a major boost for Barcelona, who have felt his absence acutely.
Adding to Flick’s woes, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres are both injured. Lewandowski is suffering from a hamstring problem, while Torres sustained muscle soreness while on international duty with Spain. Both players will miss the Girona match and are considered major doubts for the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid on . The loss of Lewandowski, in particular, is a significant blow to Barcelona’s attacking firepower.
There is some encouraging news regarding Lamine Yamal. Despite experiencing discomfort from a persistent groin injury, Flick has confirmed that the young winger should be fit to face Girona. Yamal’s availability provides a much-needed boost to Barcelona’s attacking options, and his presence will be crucial against a Girona side that will undoubtedly present a stern challenge.
Joan Garcia and Raphinha are also nearing a return to fitness, but are expected to be another week away from being available for selection. Flick is clearly prioritizing managing his squad’s workload and ensuring that key players are fit for the crucial run of matches ahead.
Barcelona’s predicted starting XI for the match against Girona is expected to feature Szczesny in goal, with Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, and Balde forming the defensive line. The midfield is likely to consist of Pedri, De Jong, and Casado, while Lamine Yamal, Rashford, and Bardghji are expected to lead the attack. This lineup reflects the challenges Flick faces due to the numerous injuries within the squad.
Girona, currently sitting 13th in La Liga with 34 points from 28 matches, will be looking to cause an upset against the league leaders. The match represents a significant opportunity for them to gain valuable points in their fight to climb the table. The Girona coach recently spoke about Barcelona, specifically mentioning Lamine Yamal and Hansi Flick, though the specifics of those comments remain undisclosed.
The context surrounding this match extends beyond the league standings. Barcelona recently filed a formal complaint regarding the quality of officiating in La Liga, indicating a growing frustration with refereeing decisions. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as the team seeks to navigate both on-field challenges and off-field concerns.
Flick’s recent discussion with the referee following the match against Atletico Madrid suggests a proactive approach to addressing concerns about officiating. This demonstrates a commitment to ensuring fair play and protecting the interests of the club. The coach’s willingness to engage in dialogue with officials is a positive sign, but the underlying issues remain a source of concern.
The match against Girona is being broadcast on Canal+ and the official FC Barcelona website, allowing fans to follow the action live. The game is scheduled to kick off at a time that will allow supporters across different time zones to tune in and support their team.
Barcelona’s recent form has been strong, with a 3-0 victory over Osasuna on Thursday evening extending their winning streak to five matches in all competitions. However, the numerous injuries within the squad pose a significant threat to their momentum. Maintaining consistency and depth will be crucial for Barcelona as they navigate this challenging period.
The upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid looms large on the horizon, adding further pressure to the match against Girona. A positive result against Girona will not only solidify Barcelona’s position at the top of the league table but also provide a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the highly anticipated clash with their arch-rivals. The stakes are high, and Barcelona will be determined to deliver a strong performance.
