Hansi Flick likely to rest key players against Leganes to manage excessive fatigue

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Barca Universal

·15 December 2024

Hansi Flick likely to rest key players against Leganes to manage excessive fatigue

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is considering making some changes to his starting lineup as the team prepares to face Leganés in La Liga, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

With a two-match ban preventing him from directing the team from the sidelines, Flick may take the opportunity to rest some players who have accumulated a heavy load of minutes.

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This is part of a strategic plan to ensure that Barcelona is in peak condition for the upcoming, challenging match against Atletico Madrid to close out the year.

Who could get rest?

Several key players, including Raphinha and Pedri, who have been playing regularly, could be rested for the match against Leganes.

Raphinha, who had an impressive performance in Dortmund, along with Pedri, who has started 15 consecutive games, might make way for Ferran Torres and Gavi.

Hansi Flick is likely to rest Raphinha against Leganes. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Additionally, there is a possibility that either Fermin Lopez or Frenkie de Jong could start in midfield in place of Dani Olmo, with Flick emphasizing the need for “fresh legs” and highlighting the quality of players who typically find themselves on the bench.

The constants

The defence is expected to remain relatively unchanged, with Inaki Pena in goal, supported by Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Balde.

Ronald Araujo, who is set to make his debut for the season, will likely start on the bench and could play his first minutes of the campaign in the second half.

Furthermore, there is a chance that Ansu Fati could be included in the squad for this game. Ansu, who has been sidelined for the past six matches due to a hamstring injury in his right thigh, trained fully with the team yesterday.

Flick’s focus is on managing the workload of his key players, ensuring they remain fresh and ready for the more demanding fixtures ahead, while also giving opportunities to other talented players in the squad.