Hansi Flick considers fielding an unchaged Barcelona lineup vs Inter Milan | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are just 180 minutes away from a potential UEFA Champions League final barring extra time – and the moment has arrived to hold nothing back.

Barça go into the game on the back of a gruelling Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid which went on for 120 minutes with the Catalans prevailing 3-2 after extra time.

Given the players’ exertion and the cramped fixture schedule, it was suggested that manager Hansi Flick could make some rotations to avoid any injury risks.

No changes likely

However, according to SPORT, despite several players not being at full fitness, Flick is considering repeating the starting eleven that featured in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.

During Tuesday’s final training session, held behind closed doors, the German tested the same line-up used in the Clasico final.

While such a trial does not guarantee it will be the matchday selection, it strongly suggests that Flick is leaning towards using the same team.

Flick planning to not make any changes. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Final decisions may depend on conversations between the coach and his players regarding their physical condition or any lingering discomfort in the hours leading up to the match.

Expected Barcelona lineup vs Inter

If confirmed, Barcelona would start against Inter Milan with Szczesny in goal, a back four of Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez and Gerard Martin, a midfield trio of Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo.

The forward line would again feature Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings, with Ferran Torres as centre-forward.

It is worth noting that seven of the outfield players expected to start logged over 100 minutes in the Copa del Rey final – Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo, Pedri, Lamine, Raphinha and Ferran. Only Pedri was substituted during extra time; the rest played the full 120 minutes.

Should Flick decide to rotate, Ronald Araujo and Fermin Lopez are best positioned to enter the line-up, with the latter likely to come in for Olmo, who is still regaining rhythm after injury and has started the last two matches.

Although the coaching staff are aware that several players ideally need rest, the magnitude of the fixture makes rotation nearly impossible. Stars were visibly drained after the cup final, but the significance of the match outweighs concerns about fatigue.