Hansi Flick faces a pivotal test of squad depth as Barcelona hosts Elche with injuries mounting and the fixture list showing no mercy.
The German tactician used Saturday’s final session to lock in a starting XI that balances rotation, recovery, and reliability—resting key men while trusting proven performers to dismantle a relegation-battling side desperate for points.
With the title race heating up and European commitments looming, every decision carries weight; the lineup hints at pragmatism without sacrificing control, as reported by Diario Sport.
Between the posts, “Tek” keeps his place for what could be his final start before Joan García’s return.
Ronald Araujo and Marc Casadó are the headline changes. Araujo, the commanding Uruguayan center-back, replaces Pau Cubarsí, who has been nursing minor discomfort and skipped part of the week’s sessions.
Fresh from scoring the winner against Girona off the bench, Araujo’s energy and leadership will pair with the in-form Eric García at the heart of defense.
Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde retain their spots on the right and left, respectively, providing width and defensive solidity.
In midfield, the absence of Pedri until after the international break forces a reshuffle.
Casadó, the tenacious academy product, steps in alongside Frenkie de Jong in the double pivot.
His pressing intensity and growing maturity make him the preferred choice over younger alternatives.
Fermín López will operate as the attacking midfielder, linking play to the front three of Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford—the same trio that started in the Bernabéu thriller.
New signing Mbacke covers for the re-injured Andreas Christensen.
On the bench, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo could make comebacks as impact subs, joined by versatile youngsters Toni Fernández and Xavi Espart.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
