Barcelona is poised to unveil a fresh lineup against Elche on November 4, 2023, during LaLiga’s matchday 11. Injuries have shifted the team dynamics, particularly the absence of Pedri, who is sidelined for a month due to a muscle injury. This situation opens the door for other players to step up in an unprecedented midfield setup.
Key Lineup Changes Ahead of the Match
Manager Hansi Flick is likely to rely heavily on Frenkie de Jong as the game’s central figure. Several contenders, including Casadó and Eric Garcia, may join him in the midfield. Casadó has shown promise and might be the favorite to pair with de Jong.
Training Insights
In the training session leading up to the match, Flick split the players into two groups for rondos. Notably, Araujo and Casadó took the places of Cubarsí and Pedri, indicating they might be vital to the starting eleven. After taking a brief rest, Araujo rejoined training and displayed readiness for game time.
Injuries Affecting the Team
- Pedri: Out for one month due to a muscle injury.
- Andreas Christensen: Suffered soleus discomfort and will not participate.
- Joan Garcia: Undergoing rehabilitation for a meniscus injury but engaging in individual workouts.
- Mbacke: Recently reintroduced to training after overcoming his injury.
Other Notable Players and Prospects
Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have returned from injuries and are expected to be in the lineup against Elche. Both players missed previous matches against Girona, Olympiacos, and Real Madrid.
The upcoming match will be pivotal for Barcelona as they seek to maintain momentum in LaLiga. The potential lineup features Szczesny in goal, supported by Kounde, Araujo, Eric, and Balde on defense. The midfield will likely boast De Jong, with options including Casadó and Fermín, while Lamine, Rashford, and Ferran complete the attacking front.
Looking Ahead
As Barcelona transitions into this new phase without Pedri, the team’s adaptability will be tested. The interactions among players and the managerial strategies will play crucial roles in the match against Elche. The outcome could redefine Barcelona’s path in the current LaLiga season.
