This Sunday, FC Barcelona will recover the three internationals who played in the Olympic Games with Spain: Fermín López, Eric García and Pau Cubarsí. In the case of the centre-backs, both count for Hansi Flick despite the 'overbooking' in a position in which, at the moment, the squad has up to six players available, including the injured Ronald Araújo and ruling out Clément Lenglet, a fixed discard at despite his minutes on the American tour.
In that sense, the German coach has already made clear to the Catalan defenders his full confidence in the season that officially begins next Saturday at Mestalla, against Valencia. Although their commitments with La Roja prevented them from being present in the preseason, their good performance under the orders of Santi Denia, together with the credentials that both showed last season, cleared up any doubts in the Heidelberg player about his continuity in the team.
Pau and Eric, ready for the start of 24/25 with Barça
Both Pau and Eric will report to training this Sunday and the coaching staff plans a quick rest and specific recovery work after the wear and tear suffered in Paris. The centre-backs will have no problem with their registration as they have a low salary, which is why they will be available from matchday 1. However, it is likely that Flick will not have them until matchday 2 or 3, depending on the team's needs. With Fermín, the break may be a little longer, since the midfielder also had minutes in the Euro Cup.
In principle, the culé coach will opt for the Christensen-Iñigo Martínez duo for the beginning of the season, as long as the club resolves the registration of the Basque this week. The one from Ondarroa is one of the possible transferees, but for now nothing has been resolved. If he does not have the '5', Jules Koundé will accompany the Dane in the center of the defense. The Frenchman aims to remain on the right wing, waiting for the possible signing of another winger (Cancelo is not ruled out). As for Christensen, Flick will continue to alternate him as a pivot as long as the board does not sign a '5'.