Flick faces fresh Barcelona selection dilemma with Yamal a doubt for Valencia

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is expected to rotate his side against Valencia as competition for places intensifies, with Lamine Yamal a major doubt after missing a full training session because of a knock.

Yamal trained in the gym on the eve of the match after suffering the unspecified injury, although Flick has several alternatives available to him. Barcelona are also preparing for the start of their Champions League campaign against Feyenoord, meaning the German coach must balance his team selection with the demands of the schedule.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Joan Garcia is the only player considered certain to retain his place in the expected defensive line-up.

Flick experimented with two different defensive units during the latest training session, so there is no clear indication of his final decision beyond what he has in mind. Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Espart are among the players likely to form a reshaped back four.

Eric Garcia began the season as the first-choice right-back but was replaced by Jules Kounde in the third match. In central defence, Andreas Christensen has started twice, against Elche and Rayo, despite not initially being among the leading candidates for a regular place. He could now lose his position.

Espart has established himself as a regular at left-back, even though he is naturally a right-back. That role had appeared to belong to Joao Cancelo, adding to the uncertainty over Flick’s preferred defensive combination.

The competition is even fiercer in midfield. Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Marc Bernal, Rodri and Brian Farinas all offer different qualities, but each has made a case to start against Valencia.

Flick had been considering giving Rodri a starting role, but he may again select Bernal alongside Pedri with the Champions League meeting with Feyenoord in mind. Gavi provides intensity and personality, Olmo brings quality between the lines, while Fermin is noted for his ability to make runs into the penalty area.

Olmo and Fermin have shared the playmaker position, with Fermin now expected to be given the opportunity to start there.

There are also decisions to be made in attack. Yamal and Raphinha have started every match so far, with Raphinha used as the central striker. However, Yamal’s painful knock, the location of which Flick has not specified, leaves his involvement in the starting line-up uncertain.

Gabriel Jesus offers experience but has only just arrived. Ademi and Gordon have shared starts so far, and if Yamal is left out, both are expected to operate on the wings.

The predicted Barcelona line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia.

Defenders: Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Espart.

Midfielders: Pedri, Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez.

Forwards: Gordon, Raphinha, Ademi.

The subject and related news can also be discussed in greater depth on the Kooora forums.