Hansi Flick planning major rotation for Osasuna clash as they face three games in nine days | OneFootball

Barcelona are gearing up for a demanding stretch of fixtures, and according to a new report from SPORT, Hansi Flick is preparing to introduce significant rotation when his side meet Osasuna in La Liga this weekend. 

With three decisive matches packed into a nine-day window, the coaching staff is keen to manage workloads carefully as the team approaches the final sprint before the upcoming break.

The schedule is far from forgiving. After facing Osasuna at home, Barça will travel for their Copa del Rey clash against Guadalajara, followed by a tricky league trip to Villarreal. 

With such an intense run ahead, Flick is expected to make notable adjustments across all lines of the pitch, ensuring both physical freshness and competitive sharpness remain intact.

What are the expected changes?

One of the most anticipated changes concerns the midfield. 

Frenkie de Jong, who has been an unused substitute in the last two matches, is expected to return to the starting XI. 

Flick wants the Dutchman to dictate the tempo and restore stability in the centre of the pitch. 

Frenkie de Jong is expected to return to the starting XI. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Alongside Pedri, the third midfield role remains open, with Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal all under consideration for the advanced position.

The defensive setup is also likely to shift. Eric Garcia is tipped for a return to the back line, though it remains unclear whether Flick will place him at centre-back or utilise him on the right side. 

In attack, Marcus Rashford has quietly built momentum. 

Having come off the bench in four consecutive matches, the Englishman has consistently influenced games, including providing a superb assist for Jules Kounde against Eintracht Frankfurt. 

His recent performances have strengthened his case for a starting role, and Flick must decide whether this is the right moment to reward his impact.

Up front, however, one decision appears straightforward – Ferran Torres is expected to lead the line. 

After Robert Lewandowski’s subdued performance against Eintracht Frankfurt, Torres has positioned himself as the more dynamic and reliable option.