Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is facing a massive selection headache ahead of Wednesday’s highly-anticipated Champions League semifinal first leg against Inter Milan, according to SPORT. After an exhausting Copa del Rey final — where Barça clinched a 3-2 win over Real Madrid after 120 minutes of intense football — the squad is physically drained, and player fatigue has become a critical concern.
Seven key players — Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres — were all pushed beyond 100 minutes during the Copa final. Only Pedri and Ferran were substituted before the end of regulation time, while the others fought through the full match plus extra time.
With Casadó, Balde, and Lewandowski already ruled out, Flick’s options are dangerously thin. He must now walk a tightrope:
Rest exhausted stars and risk weakening the team against Inter,
Or gamble on their fitness for one of the most important games of the season.
The dilemma is clear: with the significance of the Champions League at stake, Flick is unlikely to rest any starters unless absolutely necessary. However, player welfare remains a top concern.
Key areas of uncertainty in the starting XI:
Left-back position: Alejandro Balde’s fitness is being urgently assessed today; a late call will determine if he can feature.
Midfield choices: There is debate over whether Fermin López should start, or if Dani Olmo will be held in reserve to be introduced later in the match.
Defense likely set: After strong performances in the Copa final, both Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez are expected to start alongside Koundé and Araújo at the back.
The medical staff’s evaluation will be crucial in the next few hours, especially concerning Balde. A positive update could ease some pressure, but otherwise, Flick may be forced to shuffle his lineup creatively.
Squad voices and fan suggestions:
Fans on X suggested cautious player rotations — starting Pedri but substituting him early for Gavi to avoid overexertion.
Others called for more trust in youth: Pablo Torre, Ansu Fati, and Fermin López were all mentioned as potential solutions to keep the starting XI fresh without sacrificing quality.
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Summary:
Barcelona’s dream of European glory now rests in the balance. Flick’s next move will define the fate of the season: gamble on tired legs, or trust fresh but less experienced players?
One thing is certain:
Wednesday’s clash against Inter will be a true test of Barcelona’s squad depth, Flick’s management skills, and the team’s resilience after a draining war against Real Madrid.
