Barcelona attacker in line to start against Real Madrid after recent return from injury | OneFootball

In his first season at FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick enjoyed tremendous success against their arch-rivals Real Madrid, winning four in four across all competitions, scoring 16 goals in the process.

However, it might not be as easy this time around as the Blaugrana get set to take on the Merengues in the first El Clasico of the season on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Flick’s plans for the lineup

According to SPORT, Flick has no intention of abandoning his footballing philosophy for El Clasico despite the injury absences in the squad. He will rely on what he has available and go on the offensive

Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, two starters and vital pieces from last season’s attack, will miss the clash. Of Barça’s theoretical first-choice front three, only Lamine Yamal is expected to start at the Santiago Bernabeu.

As such, Ferran Torres is expected to start for the first time since returning with an injury from the Spain camp during the international break.

Set to start? (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old forward missed last weekend’s game against Girona due to the muscle strain he sustained while being with La Roja.

He made the bench against Olympiacos in the Champions League, though he did not play, suggesting he is now at full fitness. As such, he is in line to start tomorrow against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

If Flick does not wish to take a risk with Ferran, the alternative would be to use Fermin Lopez as a false left winger and Marcus Rashford as the central striker.

If the ex-Man City ace plays, Rashford is likely to start on the left while Fermin will operate as the No. 10. In that scenario, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will form the double pivot, with no place in the team for Marc Casado.

At the back, Ronald Araujo, benched in Barça’s last two games, could return to the starting XI, particularly given Real Madrid’s strength in transitions and pace in behind through Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe.