Hansi Flick facing two selection dilemmas for El Clasico

Barcelona won all four matches against Real Madrid, and they will hope to continue that form into this weekend’s El Clasico showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu. Hansi Flick’s squad will not be at full strength for the trip, but even then, the German will have decisions to make with his starting line-up.

The absence of Joan Garcia means that Wojciech Szczesny, who has yet to keep a clean sheet since returning to the XI, will continue in goals, but ahead of him, there is uncertainty about at least one of the defensive positions.

Ronald Araujo: to play or not to play?

In Barcelona’s last two matches, they have settled on a backline of Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Balde. This has meant that Ronald Araujo has been frustrated on the sidelines, but as per Marca, there is a good chance that he starts against Real Madrid.

Araujo’s recovery pace will be valuable in the high line against the likes of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, so it would make sense for him to start. And if he does, it will remain to be seen whom he replaces, with it likely to be between Kounde and Eric – it is the former, the latter would move to right-back, where he played in the early weeks of the season.

Who will be Barcelona’s fourth attacker?

Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will be Barcelona’s pivot duo, provided that the Dutchman recovers from a bout of illness in the coming days. In attack, it is certain that Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford will start, but there is uncertainty about who will play alongside them, with the choice being between Raphinha and Ferran Torres.

Both players will return from their respective hamstring injuries to receive the medical green light, but only one will start. Ferran could be the favourite as he has been out for a shorter period, although Raphinha may be risked as he was in fantastic form in El Clasico throughout last season.

If Ferran starts, Rashford will operate on the left wing, whereas he would be the number nine if Raphinha is opted for instead. Flick has a decision to make on this one, as he does with the possible defensive change.