Three substitutes for Barça could take advantage of Lamine Yamal's absence at Balaídos

Published:21/11/2024 - 19:22h

Updated:21/11/2024 - 19:22h

Hansi Flick will not be able to count on Lamine Yamal this Saturday for FC Barcelona's visit to Celta (9:00 p.m.). The winger's absence opens the door for the Barça XI to three substitutes

FC Barcelona will visit Balaídos this Saturday without one of its main players available. Lamine Yamal has not yet overcome his discomfort in his right ankle and, barring a last-minute surprise, will not travel with the team to Galicia, a factor that forces Hansi Flick to adjust his attacking trident to seek the three points against Celta.

In this sense, the German coach is considering several alternatives to cover the gap left by the '19' on the right. In principle, Raphinha should return to the right side, while Dani Olmo would also start on the left. Assuming that both Pedri González and Marc Casadó will remain in the XI, there is one place left to be defined in the possible culé lineup and three options available.

Frenkie de Jong, facing a new golden opportunity with Barça

In principle, the one who has the most options to start against Celta is Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman is still far from his best form, but he needs to gain competitive rhythm and his presence from the start in Balaídos would allow Pedri to participate more in attack. The Arkel native, like Fermín López, played the first 45 minutes last week against Real Sociedad, without much brilliance.

Fermín seeks revenge after his poor game in Anoeta

However, the one who left the worst impressions in Anoeta was the '16'. Unlike other games, Fermín looked imprecise and lost on the field, without being clear about how to attack leaning on the right. In that sense, the Huelva native will seek revenge on Galician soil, since since his last muscle injury he seems to have lost the spark he showed in the summer with the National Team.

Pau Víctor could add quality minutes in Balaídos

Finally, the 'hidden' player in Barça's attack against Celta could be Pau Víctor. The 21-year-old striker was already a starter in La Liga this season (against Osasuna), a match in which he managed to score one of the goals for the Catalans. After that game, he has barely had any minutes in two games of the tournament and another two in the Champions League. Pau could play on the left, giving Olmo more freedom to play as an attacking midfielder behind Robert Lewandowski.