FC Barcelona is expected to make what have been dubbed “massive” rotations when it faces Real Valladolid in La Liga on Saturday evening.
The Catalans have tired legs after gruelling back-to-back matches in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
In the final of the former competition in Seville, Hansi Flick’s men were clearly exhausted by around the 70th minute, when Kylian Mbappe equalized Pedri’s opener and Aurelien Tchouameni then put Real Madrid ahead not long after.
Introducing Gavi and Fermin Lopez full of energy proved to be a masterstroke from the German, however, whose right back Jules Kounde cut out a Luka Modric pass near the edge of Los Blancos’ box and fired an extra time winner past Thibaut Courtois to take home the spoils in a landmark 3-2 win.
Barca had little rest before Tuesday’s UCL semifinal first leg against Inter Milan in Montjuic, and fell two goals behind early with fatigue pointed to as a possible motive for a worrying slow start.
Thanks to the genius of Lamine Yamal, the Blaugrana pulled one back and then scored further goals through Ferran Torres and Raphinha which means that a thrilling evening finished 3-3 all square.
With Real Valladolid on Saturday, and a trip to the San Siro on the cards Tuesday, Flick has to think about rotations at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla, which will be “massive” according to SPORT.
Flick has to rest as many FC Barcelona starters as possible
With the Polish goalkeeper criticized for his role in Inter’s goals, Wojciech Szczesny could be rested to make way for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who would earn his first minutes between the sticks since suffering what was tipped to be a season-ending injury at Villarreal back in September.
Gerard Martin also struggled at the expense of the Italians, but he could stay in the first XI because Alejandro Balde will return next week to reclaim his left back spot.
With Jules Kounde injured, Hector Fort might line up on the opposite flank while Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo have chances to form a central defensive partnership.
Gavi is a candidate to kick off at Valladolid next to either Frenkie de Jong or Pedri in midfield, in front of the defense.
With Fermin Lopez tipped to replace an unflattering Dani Olmo in Milan, the latter Spain international might still remain against Valladolid and get a third chance to impress.
On the wings and up front, Ansu Fati and Pau Victor could come in for regular fixtures such as Ferran Torres and Raphinha.
FC Barcelona takes on Real Valladolid at 21.00 CEST/15.00 EDT.
