Barcelona set to restore utility man to right-back role against Osasuna | OneFootball

With the La Liga title race entering a decisive phase, Barcelona are preparing for an important clash against Osasuna and manager Hansi Flick is expected to make notable adjustments to his starting XI.

According to recent reports from AS, the changes are not entirely by choice but driven by circumstances, most notably the absence of Jules Kounde. 

The French defender picked up a yellow card in the previous outing against Getafe, which means he will miss the Osasuna fixture due to suspension for accumulated bookings.

Before addressing Flick’s solution, it is important to recognise Kounde’s importance in the system. 

He has been a consistent presence at right-back, offering both stability and tactical intelligence. His absence, therefore, presents a challenge at a crucial point in the season.

So what now?

In response, Flick is expected to turn to one of his most reliable utility players, namely, Eric Garcia. 

The Spaniard has already been deployed in the right-back role on multiple occasions this season and has proven capable of adapting to the demands of the position without disrupting the team’s structure.

Eric Garcia will return to the right-back spot against Osasuna. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

While there are alternative solutions available, such as shifting Ronald Araujo to the flank or repositioning Joao Cancelo on the right while introducing Alejandro Balde on the left, Flick is unlikely to experiment too much. 

With so much at stake, the preference is expected to be continuity and trusting players who have already delivered in similar situations.

It must be noted that against Osasuna, Barcelona will not just be playing for three points; they will be aiming to seal the La Liga title while keeping an eye on Real Madrid’s result. 

In such scenarios, managers tend to rely on familiarity and tactical discipline rather than taking unnecessary risks.

Much-needed rest

It must be remembered that Kounde’s suspension against Osasuna effectively ensures that he will be fully fit and available for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou on 10 May.

Interestingly, as far as Garcia is concerned, having already served his own suspension recently, he is now fully available, giving Flick additional flexibility. 

The key question heading into the Clasico will be how he is utilised, whether as a defensive midfielder, where he has occasionally operated, or alongside Pau Cubarsi in central defence.