Rotations are on the horizon for FC Barcelona as they prepare for their first Copa del Rey appearance against UD Barbastro. The Blaugrana are aiming to start 2025 with a victory to continue their cup run, and coach Hansi Flick plans to make several changes to his usual line-up, especially with the Spanish Super Cup fast approaching on January 8.
The most notable rotation involves potential starting goalie Wojciech Szczesny. The Polish international goalkeeper joined Barça in mid-October to compensate for Ter Stegen’s long-term injury, and all signs point to him being given the opportunity to keep goal for the culés in the Copa. Another player who could make his season debut is Ronald Araujo, who received the medical green light at the end of 2024 but has yet to play. The Uruguayan is expected to play a key role in defense during this crucial phase of the season, and this match at Barbastro will allow him to gain fitness alongside De Jong, Gavi and Ansu Fati, who have also struggled physically early on. campaign, limiting their playing time under Flick.
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Why is Lamine Yamal missing from the Copa del Rey match against Barbastro?
-With the confirmed absences of Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Christensen, Pablo Torre and Fermín should also start in the starting XI to provide rest to key players like Raphinha and Lewandowski, who have played a lot this season.
Additionally, as is often the case in the early rounds of the cup, some B team players will travel with the first team and are expected to see playing time, contingent on a favorable result for the Blaugrana. Among them, Toni Fernández (16 years old), who could make his first team debut.
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