Barcelona boss Hansi Flick will have to decide whether to replace Inigo Martinez with Ronald Araujo or Andreas Christensen for Thursday’s derby clash with Espanyol.
The Blaugrana will enter the game as champions if Real Madrid fail to beat Mallorca on Wednesday, and even if Los Blancos win, Barcelona will clinch the title with a win in the derby.
The visitors will go into Thursday’s clash without the services of Inigo Martinez, who will serve a one-match ban after picking up his fifth yellow card of the league season in Sunday’s 4-3 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico.
Araujo and Christensen are the obvious candidates to replace Martinez, and the latter could get the nod after putting in a strong display in his substitute appearance at the weekend.
Christensen was brought on to replace Pau Cubarsi, who should be ready to start against Espanyol despite being forced off with a stomach issue on Sunday.
Eric Garcia will continue to deputise for the injured Jules Kounde at right-back, while Alejandro Balde is set to start at left-back after returning from injury to feature as a substitute in El Clasico.
Pedri and Frenkie de Jong should continue in central midfield, with Dani Olmo set to operate just in front in the number 10 position.
Lamine Yamal will continue to offer the attacking threat from the right flank, with the winger looking to add to the seven goals and 12 assists he has registered in La Liga this season.
Raphinha, who will operate off the left, will be hoping to score in a fourth consecutive game after netting four goals in the last three competitive matches.
Meanwhile, Ferran Torres is set to get the nod over Robert Lewandowski, who is unlikely to be risked due to his recent struggles with a hamstring problem.
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Garcia, Christensen, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres
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