Hansi Flick expected to make more than five changes to Barcelona lineup for Catalan derby | OneFootball

After a convincing win over Osasuna, Barcelona are set to take on Catalan rivals Girona on Saturday, as they look to retain their dominance at the top of the league table.

With less than 48 hours separating the two fixtures, Hansi Flick faces an uphill battle trying to keep his troops fresh, especially as he keeps one eye on next week’s Copa Del Rey semifinal clash against Atletico Madrid.

Flick likely to make wholesale changes vs Girona

Keeping that in mind, Flick could make a series of changes to the Barcelona lineup as they take on Girona this weekend.

This is according to Diario SPORT, which suggests the German could make up to seven changes, five of which could even be surefire changes.

For one, the German could bring Ronald Araujo back into the starting eleven as the Uruguayan had missed the Osasuna clash on account of his late return from international duty.

Araujo could replace Inigo Martinez, whose participation against Osasuna has forced Barça into a legal battle.

Ronald Araujo could replace Inigo Martinez in Barcelona defence vs Girona (Photo by Ernesto Ryan/Getty Images)

Pau Cubarsi could also return to the starting eleven, replacing Eric Garcia and partnering Araujo at the heart of Barcelona’s four-man backline.

In the attacking area, Dani Olmo is unavailable after picking up a fresh injury. Although Flick has at least three players who can replace the Spaniard, Fermin Lopez will likely be preferred against Girona.

Elsewhere, Raphinha appears to be a surefire starter as he has faced the same situation as Ronald Araujo.

The fifth change could see Robert Lewandowski coming in for Ferran Torres to lead the Barcelona frontline.

But that is not all, as Flick could make two more changes by replacing both the fullbacks in Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde. Hector Fort and Gerard Martin are the available alternatives.