Barcelona grapples with squad rotation challenges before Espanyol showdown and Atletico rematch

10 April 2026 at 12:31

Topics:

With the title holders leading by seven points over runners-up Real Madrid in the standings, Flick might consider making significant changes before Tuesdays vital second leg trip to Atletico, where they trail by two goals to nil.

Alvaro Arbeloas Madrid side entertain Girona on Friday and could reduce the deficit to four points with a win, complicating Flicks decisions further.

Los Blancos find themselves in a difficult position after their one goal loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, yet they enjoy a longer interval between the Girona fixture and the return match in Bavaria the following Wednesday.

We also have a derby in three days on Saturday, our upcoming fixture, which is equally vital for us to secure a victory, said Flick.

We shall evaluate all aspects and consider our available choices.

The nightmare outcome would involve enduring a first domestic loss at Camp Nou since its relaunch, followed by an exit from the Champions League in the Spanish capital regardless.

As the league Clasico versus Real Madrid looms on May tenth, Flick aims to preserve Barcas advantage, though the Champions League could take priority.

A number of squad members who have largely been on the bench this campaign, such as Ronald Araujo, Marc Casado and Roony Bardghji, might feature against a Espanyol outfit that is plummeting.

Following a promising opening to the term, Manolo Gonzalezs squad have not triumphed in 2026, a poor run that started with a two goal home reverse to Barca.

Midfield linchpin Pedri is essential to Barca but was substituted at the interval during the reverse to Atletico due to a slight fitness concern.

Pedri encountered some difficulties. Nothing major, but given the circumstances, we require his presence moving ahead, so we opted to withdraw him from the action, explained Flick.

Flick hopes to include midfielder Frenkie de Jong for the Atletico return, with the Dutch international resuming training this week after a hamstring problem.

The Netherlands player may make the matchday group for Espanyol, while Barca can draw positives from Gavis showing off the bench versus Atletico.

This might afford the twenty one year old additional minutes over the weekend as he builds match sharpness after an extended absence due to injury. Gavi delivered an outstanding display, noted Flick.

Atletico Madrid travel to Sevilla on Saturday, and Diego Simeone will undoubtedly spare numerous important starters.

The Argentine manager has prioritised the knockout tournaments lately, with his charges in fourth place in La Liga and remote from dropping given Real Betis trail by twelve points in fifth.

Player to watch: Vedat Muriqi

Mallorcas Kosovan striker, Muriqi, netted a crucial strike last week to aid the side in overcoming Real Madrid and enhancing their survival prospects. The attacker has nineteen strikes this term, behind only LaLigas leading marksman Kylian Mbappe, and he aims to increase his count versus Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in yet another crucial encounter.