Barcelona injury worries continue to dominate headlines ahead of Sunday’s La Liga showdown with Real Madrid.

The Catalan club faces a crucial test at the Santiago Bernabéu as they trail Los Blancos by two points at the top of the table, and Hansi Flick’s options are once again limited due to a series of absences.

Veteran goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen remains unavailable after undergoing back surgery, while summer signing Joan García is still sidelined following a knee operation that will keep him out until late November.

Midfield prodigy Gavi continues his long-term recovery from a knee injury and won’t feature again until early 2026.

In attack, Robert Lewandowski is out with a hamstring issue, while Dani Olmo—who picked up a calf injury on international duty—will not return until early November.

Raphinha, dealing with a hamstring problem, remains a major doubt but could still make a late push for inclusion in the matchday squad.

Suspension list: No bans, but selection doubts remain

The good news for Flick is that Barcelona have no suspended players ahead of El Clasico.

This allows the manager to focus on reshuffling his options rather than compensating for disciplinary absences.

However, the Barcelona injury situation could force significant changes in attack and midfield.

With Lewandowski and Olmo ruled out, Ferran Torres may lead the line once again, supported by Fermin López and the in-form Lamine Yamal, whose recent displays have earned widespread praise.

In midfield, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are expected to anchor the team, though the Dutchman’s workload may be closely monitored due to recent muscle fatigue.

How Barcelona injury issues could shape Flick’s tactics

The growing Barcelona injury list will almost certainly influence Flick’s tactical setup.

Without key figures like Lewandowski and Gavi, the coach may opt for a more fluid, possession-based system focused on movement and technical precision rather than physical duels.

Defensively, the return of Ronald Araújo offers stability, while Jules Koundé—although nursing a knock—is expected to start if he passes a late fitness test.

The German manager could field a front three of Yamal, Ferran, and Rashford, relying on pace and creativity to unsettle Real Madrid’s backline.

Flick has emphasized in recent press conferences that “every small detail matters” in matches of this magnitude, and with Barcelona’s depth tested, the outcome may depend on the players’ adaptability under pressure.

Expected Barcelona XI:
Szczesny; Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Ferran Torres

Out: Ter Stegen (back), Gavi (knee), Lewandowski (hamstring), Olmo (calf), Joan García (knee)
Doubtful: Raphinha (hamstring), Koundé (knock)
Suspended: None