Pau Cubarsi out, €15m defender in – Predicted Barcelona starting XI for La Liga clash against CA Osasuna | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to take on CA Osasuna in a crucial La Liga fixture soon. For La Blaugrana, this is a game that they simply cannot afford to drop points in. However, despite their attempts to have the date changed, this clash comes at an awkward moment for Barcelona.

With a few international players looking to miss this game due to their recent commitments with their respective National teams, it is already known that rotations will be necessary for Hansi Flick. For that reason, Barcelona may field a slightly different starting eleven for this game.

Here is how the Catalan side could line up for this La Liga fixture.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny

The veteran goalkeeper remains fully rested and has the full trust of Barcelona coach Hansi Flick backing him up. He has been great for the club so far in 2025, and with reports of a possible renewal for him now brewing as well, the Pole will be motivated to keep performing.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

Despite the Frenchman’s hectic season both at club level and with his country, he remains a guarantee for Hansi Flick in the team. However, despite his fatigue, Jules Kounde has proven before that he is fully capable of going the distance.

Centre-back: Eric Garcia

This will likely be a great opportunity for Eric Garcia to prove his own quality. With Ronald Araujo likely to miss the game and Pau Cubarsi still not fully recovered, he becomes the natural choice for Hansi Flick to field as a centre-back for this game.

Despite his lack of minutes this season, Garcia seems to be content with his role. However, the €15 million-rated centre-back, as per his Transfermarkt valuation, will have a point to prove if he does end up starting.

Centre-back: Inigo Martinez

With plenty of days to rest and stay refreshed, Inigo Martinez will be raring to go in this upcoming fixture. His leadership and intelligence at the back will be crucial, especially with Pau Cubarsi still recovering from his recent injury.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

With the Spanish left-back having stayed behind with the club during this international break, he will likely be fully rested and ready to go. For this game, especially with other players likely being fatigued, Balde will need to be as energetic as possible.

CDM: Frenkie de Jong

Due to Marc Casado’s unfortunate injury, there is very little Hansi Flick can do in terms of managing the minutes of his players or making rotations. For that reason, even with the minutes accumulated during the international break, Frenkie de Jong seems like a guarantee to start.

CDM: Pedri

Alongside the Dutchman, Spanish midfielder Pedri would be the ideal partner in the midfield. His creativity and composure are both crucial for the team, and he has showcased on countless occasions this season that he can influence and turn the tide of any game once he is in control of it.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

The 17-year-old prodigy will likely be Barça’s primary weapon in terms of having a dribbling specialist on the team in isolated situations. Lamine Yamal, in terms of both his end-product and decision-making, will be vital if Barcelona hope to make the opposition uncomfortable.

CAM: Dani Olmo

It was clear enough to see that Dani Olmo was not overextended during the international break and that is always a good sign. That should allow him to come into this game as a starter and have a positive impact on proceedings.

With Raphinha likely to miss this upcoming game, it could be an opportunity for Ferran Torres to start for Barcelona. His goal-scoring rate has been incredible this season when taking into account his minutes, and he seems to perform even better in dire situations.

Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski

Due to the likely unavailability of Raphinha, both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres may have to start. While he does not have the speed of Torres, Lewandowski certainly has the ability to score a goal out of nothing at all, something that he clearly showcased against Atletico Madrid in his most recent Barcelona appearance.