Flick faces three key selection calls as Barcelona prepare for Atletico Madrid test

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faces difficult decisions at right-back, in midfield and on the left wing as his side prepare to visit Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

The match at the Metropolitano is the 12th round of La Liga, with Barcelona aiming to protect their position at the top of the table. Flick’s side have 30 points, two more than second-placed Atletico Madrid.

According to Sport, the most immediate uncertainty concerns the right-back position, where Flick must decide how best to deal with Atletico’s attacking threats.

Brian Farinas has produced two excellent performances in a position that is not his natural one, against Alaves and Aston Villa. However, Eric Garcia could return from a muscular injury after missing Barcelona’s last four matches. If he is fit, Flick will have to choose between the two.

One consideration will be how to contain Alex Baena, whose constant movement and impressive physical and technical form make him a significant threat. Barcelona may instead need a quicker player on that flank if Diego Simeone chooses to make greater use of Baena’s pace.

The other major concern is Ademola Lookman. He has yet to reproduce the level he showed last season, but remains capable of returning to that form at any moment.

Flick generally rewards performances, and Farinas has responded positively with his displays. Nevertheless, the German coach has complete confidence in Garcia, meaning the defender would have a strong chance of starting if he is declared ready.

Jules Kounde is effectively out of contention. The French defender has not fully recovered from an ankle sprain and his role in the team has also diminished recently.

Midfield decision

The midfield selection has become more complicated following Rodri’s injury and Frenkie de Jong’s return to fitness. Flick has continued to rely on De Jong, but Marc Bernal appears the most logical replacement for Rodri.

Bernal came on at half-time in Barcelona’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, taking over the role. He was also the player Flick selected against Paris Saint-Germain when Rodri was rested.

De Jong has gradually been receiving more playing time. Flick started him against Alaves, although he used him at centre-back to give Gerard Martin a rest. In the Champions League, De Jong began on the bench before replacing Pedri for the final 20 minutes.

Flick’s tendency to use De Jong from the start in the most demanding matches could prove decisive when he makes his midfield choice for Atletico.

With Lamine Yamal established on the right wing and Raphinha leading the attack, the only uncertainty in the forward line appears to be on the left. The balance is increasingly moving towards Anthony Gordon ahead of Karim Adeyemi.

Gordon started in major matches against Paris Saint-Germain and in El Clasico, as well as against Galatasaray. The exception was the match at La Cartuja, when Flick preferred the German player.

Adeyemi has not scored or provided an assist since 13 October, when he netted Barcelona’s final goal in their 4-1 victory over Galatasaray in Turkey.