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E-mail Xinhua, March 7, 2025
FC Barcelona is at home to Osasuna on Saturday night with the chance to extend the lead at the top of La Liga.
Coach Hansi Flick will have to make some tough decisions after his side's narrow 1-0 Champions League win away to Benfica on Wednesday night, which has left his side with little recovery time.
The fact the return leg in Europe comes next Tuesday means the German will be forced into some changes in his starting 11.
"I don't know how many changes there will be, but we need to make squad rotations," admitted the coach in his pre-game press conference on Friday.
"The most important thing is that we can put the strongest team on the pitch: that's our focus," added Flick.
"Our players love training and competing, so the atmosphere in the dressing room is very good. This is a great squad and everyone looks out for everyone else. Everyone feels as if they are important," said the Barca coach.
Central defender Pau Cubarsi looks certain to start after he was sent off in Lisbon and is suspended next week and Flick has to decide whether to play Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo or Inigo Martinez, alongside the youngster.
His decision will have to bear in mind that Ante Budimir will lead the Osasuna attack, with the powerful Croatian striker scoring 14 goals already in La Liga this season.
Elsewhere Lamine Yamal looked jaded in midweek and the 17-year-old needs a rest, so Ferran Torres could come into the side, either to replace Lamine or Robert Lewandowski, while Fermin Lopez is also in with a chance of starting if Flick decides to rest Pedri.
The Spain international has been in outstanding form recently, but his history of muscle problems means it would be wise to allow him some recovery time ahead of next week, which sees Barca not only play Benfica, but end the week with a visit to face second place Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
