Flick set to call up two Barcelona academy talents against Athletic Club and Newcastle | OneFootball

Barcelona will travel to Bilbao as they get set to take on Athletic Club at San Mames in Matchday 27 of La Liga.

Following that, there has been a change to their itinerary as Barça will remain in Bilbao overnight before flying directly to England. Instead of returning to Catalonia after the match, the club has decided that the team will depart from Bilbao Airport for Newcastle on Sunday.

Once in England, the Barça delegation will spend two nights in the city before playing the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday at St James’ Park. Immediately after the match, the team will fly back to Barcelona.

Because of this unusual travel schedule, Hansi Flick will use a single squad list for both matches. The players selected for the trip to Bilbao will remain with the group and continue on to Newcastle.

Xavi Espart, Alvaro Cortes to be called up

Now, according to SPORT, two academy players are expected to be part of the Barcelona travelling delegation: Xavi Espart and Alvaro Cortes.

Espart trained with the Barça first team on Wednesday, the day after the Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid. He continued training with Flick’s group on Thursday and Friday.

Cortes joined the first-team training group on Thursday and continued on the eve of the game against Athletic Club.

Alvaro Cortes (L) set to be called up by Flick. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

And, now, both Espart and Cortes are expected to be called up for tonight’s game and consequently travel for the match against Newcastle United as well.

Both academy players have previously been included in Barça matchday squads, although neither has yet made their official debut with the first team.

Cover for injured players

Flick is counting on the young defenders largely because of the injuries to Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde.

Both defenders suffered hamstring injuries during the Copa del Rey clash with Atletico Madrid and are expected to be sidelined for more than a month.

Xavi Espart is a dynamic right-back known for his ability to play both inside and outside in possession phases. He combines attacking impetus with solid defensive balance. He will serve as a direct cover at right-back.

Alvaro Cortes, meanwhile, is a left-footed centre-back with strong physical presence, leadership qualities, and reliable ball distribution from the back. His presence in the squad will free up Gerard Martin to operate in his natural position at left-back.