Sat Nov 29 14:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Barcelona Faces Alavés Without Key Players After Champions League Disappointment
Barcelona, Spain – FC Barcelona will face Deportivo Alavés today at the Spotify Camp Nou with a weakened squad following their Champions League match against Chelsea. Manager Hansi Flick is grappling with unexpected absences and is forced to make significant changes to his lineup.
Ronald Araujo will miss the match due to a stomach virus that has kept him out of training for the past two days. This absence forces Flick to reshuffle his defense, with likely candidates to replace him being Eric Garcia, alongside Cubarsí. There remains alternative options such as Martin or Christensen.
Adding to Flick’s woes, Fermín López is sidelined with a calf injury, ruling him out for the next four matches. Dani Olmo is tipped to take López’s place. Changes are also expected in midfield, with Marc Casadó potentially partnering Frenkie de Jong, as Eric Garcia is not expected to continue in the pivot position. Pedri is back in the squad but is expected to play a limited role as he regains match fitness with upcoming games against Atlético Madrid and Real Betis looming.
On a positive note, Raphinha could make his first start since returning from injury. After brief appearances against Athletic Bilbao and Chelsea, the Brazilian winger might feature in the starting eleven, potentially joining Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski in the attack. However, Rashford is also an option, potentially coming into the starting eleven following his substitute appearance.
While Alavés represents the theoretically easiest game in a demanding week, Flick is well aware of the challenges presented by the subsequent matches against Atlético Madrid and Real Betis. He will need to carefully manage his squad to navigate this demanding period. The team is undoubtedly feeling the sting of the recent Champions League performance, and Flick will need to rally his players to secure a victory against Alavés.
First Piper 