Despite all the financial turmoil, Barcelona have made a great start to the 24/25 season but next up, they face a tricky encounter against Girona.
Girona finished third in the La Liga last season and currently, they are sitting fifth on the table. Barcelona have the talent and firepower to pick up all three points and hold onto the top spot on the table but last season, they lost both their games against Girona with an aggregate scoreline of 8-4.
Barca kick off their Champions League campaign with a game against Monaco next week so ideally, Hansi Flick would have loved to rotate some of his players. However, with so many key players out injured, the manager does not have the luxury.
Barcelona’s team news and injuries:
Ronaldo Araujo is ruled out until December with a hamstring injury while Christensen will return in November. With two key defenders out, Inigo Martinez and 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi will pair up at centre-back.
Midfielder Gavi has returned to training after almost 10 months but he is still a long way away from being match-fit. Frenkie de Jong, Fermin Lopez and Marc Bernal are also available which means Hansi Flick will again have to rely on Marc Casado.
The 20-year-old did not have a great outing during the 7-0 win over Valladolid but the Barcelona manager does not have any other central midfield options at the moment.
Summer signing Dani Olmo missed Spain’s Nations League game against Switzerland due to a knee problem but the injury is not serious and he will be ready to play on Sunday. Hansi Flick would love to keep him fresh for the Champions League tie but Girona are a very tough side so the manager won’t be able to risk starting Olmo on the bench.
Raphinha was linked with a summer exit but the Brazilian has quickly shown why he is such an important player for Barcelona. So far, he has made five goal contributions in four league games and he will once again start on the left wing.
Ansu Fati is back to full fitness which means the Barcelona manager finally has some depth on the left flank.
Barcelona predicted line up vs Girona:
Predicted XI(4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen: Kounde, Balde, Cubarsi, Martinez; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
