Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faces a difficult team selection ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table La Liga match against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano, dealing with a mounting defensive and midfield injury crisis.
The league leaders hold a two-point advantage over second-placed Atlético heading into the matchday 12 fixture. They must adapt without several key personnel as confirmed by FC Barcelona. The squad’s preparations suffered heavily from recent fitness setbacks. Most notably, they lost Rodri to a hamstring injury during last Tuesday’s clash with Aston Villa.
First-team players Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen have both been given medical clearance and are available for tonight's #AtletiBarça! ✅ pic.twitter.com/OM3wrX5e1j
García and Christensen Return to Squad
Flick received positive news when Eric García and Andreas Christensen received medical clearance to travel with the squad. García damaged the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh against Real Betis on October 17. Christensen had been sidelined since September 19 with a quadriceps injury in his left leg. García is fit enough to start. Flick noted that Christensen’s return will be managed cautiously without immediate risk.
The defensive reinforcements help stabilize a back line that remains without Xavi Espart and Jules Koundé as reported by Africasoccer. To cover the absences, Flick has weighed deploying Brian Fariñas at right-back alongside regular starters Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and João Cancelo noted Mundo Deportivo. Four players are unavailable through injury for the match: Dani Olmo, Jules Kounde, Rodri and Xavi Espart. The German has also added young talent Hamza Abdelkarim to his attacking options.
When and where to watch Atlético Madrid v FC Barcelona 📺https://t.co/Wllu96XkBL
Replacing the sidelined Rodri presents another tactical challenge for the German coach. Marc Bernal delivered an impressive second-half display against Aston Villa. He is competing directly with Frenkie de Jong for a starting role according to Yardbarker’s tactical breakdown. De Jong is working his way back to full match fitness following an injury picked up during the 2026 World Cup. Rounding out the travelling squad, young talent Ebrima Tunkara accompanies the first team as one of the standout youngsters in Barça’s party.
Atlético Madrid Injury Concerns and Opponent Form
Atlético Madrid enters the clash missing Cristian Romero due to a muscular injury and Johnny Cardoso with a thigh problem according to match previews. Morten Hjulmand returns to the fold after sitting out the Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich. Diego Simeone’s expected 4-4-2 line-up is slated with Jan Oblak in goal; Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, and Javi Galán in defense; Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Morten Hjulmand, and Alex Baena in midfield; and Lee Kang-in alongside Julián Álvarez up front.
Atlético coach Diego Simeone spoke to reporters ahead of the match. He praised Barcelona forward Raphinha—who has scored 19 goals from 13 games across all competitions—describing the Brazilian as an extraordinary player reported Flashscore. Simeone also evaluated his own striker Julián Álvarez as being in very good shape
ahead of the high-stakes encounter at the Metropolitano.
Earlier coverage: Julián Alvarez Faces Barcelona as Atlético Madrid Fight for Top Spot
🚨 NEW: Barcelona could recover BOTH Eric García and Andreas Christensen for tonight's crucial clash against Atlético Madrid! Meanwhile, Flick faces another major decision in midfield, with Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong competing to replace the injured Rodri. —… pic.twitter.com/92EYLpSxgy