Hansi Flick set to ring in the changes vs Alaves; Dream attacking trio to return | OneFootball

As Barcelona gear up for a crucial fixture against Deportivo Alaves this afternoon, coach Hansi Flick might look to make some key changes.

In fact, a recent report from Diario SPORT suggests that the Barcelona coach may ring in the changes for the Alaves game, as he keeps one eye on the important games ahead in December.

What are the key changes expected?

Ronald Araujo has been ruled out of the fixture. The Uruguayan defender is suffering from a stomach virus that has kept him out of training for the last two sessions.

With Araujo out, Flick is expected to field a new central defensive partnership. The most likely pairing sees Eric Garcia dropping back to partner Pau Cubarsi, though Gerard Martin remains an alternative option on the left side of central defence.

Further forward, Fermin Lopez has become the latest victim of Barcelona’s unending injury crisis. He has been sidelined with a soleus injury and could be ruled out for two weeks.

Fermin Lopez is out for two weeks. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

In his stead, Dani Olmo is expected to step in as the primary creative outlet, while Marc Casado will likely return to the engine room to partner with Frenkie de Jong, moving Eric Garcia out of the pivot role he occupied recently.

Pedri, meanwhile, has recovered and is expected to play a cameo role against Deportivo Alaves today.

However, the most exciting change could come in the attacking department. For the first time since his injury, Raphinha is tipped to start.

His return could finally unite Barcelona’s dream attacking trio with Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski completing a fearsome front line.

While Marcus Rashford remains a strong option after starting on the bench at Stamford Bridge, all signs point to the Brazilian captain reclaiming his spot on the wing to lead the charge at the Spotify Camp Nou.