FLICK, FORCED TO ROTATE IN PAMPLONA
Four Barça players, in doubt to be in the XI against Osasuna
Published:27/09/2024 - 16:59h
Updated:28/09/2024 - 20:02h
This Friday, FC Barcelona completed its last training session prior to Saturday's duel against Osasuna. Four players trained outside the group and are doubtful
Hansi Flick could be forced to revolutionize his lineup this Saturday in El Sadar against Osasuna (9:00 p.m. CEST). In addition to the need to rotate in some positions to give his starters a rest, the German coach could not count on Friday's training due to physical precautions. This is the case of Marc Casadó, Raphinha, Eric García and Iñigo Martínez.
The two centre-backs worked outside the group in the morning session, but were seen running normally. The Basque has started in the seven League games played so far, resting only 10 minutes in last Sunday's clash against Villarreal. In addition, he played all 90 minutes in the Champions League debut against Monaco, so he could rest against the 'rojillo' team or, failing that, on Tuesday against Young Boys, for the second day of the Champions League.
Eric, for his part, has started Barça's last three games. Despite his unfortunate expulsion in Monaco, Flick kept him in the XI against Villarreal and Getafe, both times as a pivot. If the coach decides to give Martínez a rest, it is likely that the Catalan will return to the center of the defense along with Pau Cubarsí, who was a substitute in El Madrigal (he entered the complement).
Raphinha and Casadó did not take the field this Friday
More striking were the cases of Raphinha and Marc Casadó. The forward and midfielder worked in the gym, without stepping on the field, but they should be included in the squad against Osasuna. The Brazilian has played every possible minute this season, being the team's second highest scorer with 5 goals. The one from Porto Alegre has started the season very well and, being at 100%, it is unlikely that Flick will choose to give him a rest in El Sadar.
Casadó, on the other hand, was a substitute against Villarreal and has alternated the pivot position with Eric García after Marc Bernal's injury. The 21-year-old player has accumulated 452 minutes of action in 6 appearances in which he has been outstanding, especially in the victories against Girona and Getafe. At the moment, Barça has 8 certain casualties to face Osasuna. In addition to Gavi and Frenkie de Jong (both in the final stretch of their recovery), Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, Dani Olmo and Fermín López are still in the infirmary. Ter Stegen and Bernal, ruled out for the rest of the season, complete the list of absences.
