Hansi Flick plans to rotate heavily as Barcelona prepares to take on Espanyol with several key players rested.
With league duties running parallel to a high‑stakes Champions League stretch, Flick is prioritising squad management and freshness, which has led to plans for multiple changes across almost every area of the pitch.
Several frontline figures are expected to be managed carefully, while the tactical setup may also shift slightly to cushion the introduction of less‑used options.
The biggest clue to Flick’s approach is the long list of players likely to be rested or brought in gradually, with only a handful of names close to automatic starts, as reported by Diario Sport.
Robert Lewandowski is among those who could be protected, while midfield and defensive roles may also see significant rotation as Barcelona tries to avoid fatigue and injuries.
The plan is to keep the team competitive while preserving energy for the next major challenge.
That opens the door for several squad players and returning options to feature from the start.
Gavi is being tipped for a bigger role after building up minutes, while Frenkie de Jong may return more gradually rather than being thrown in for the full match.
In defence, Ronald Araújo and Alejandro Balde are also candidates for involvement if Hansi Flick decides to refresh his back line without weakening it too much.
Barcelona’s rotation policy makes sense given the schedule, and Flick appears determined to strike the right balance between risk and reward.
The tactical question will be whether Hansi Flick can maintain the team’s usual intensity while changing so many pieces at once.
In a match that matters for both local pride and league momentum, Flick’s heavy rotation could prove either a smart safeguard or a test of squad depth under pressure.
