Sat Dec 06 16:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Barcelona Faces Tough Test Against Real Betis Amidst Injury Woes

Seville, Spain – FC Barcelona travels to La Cartuja in Seville this Saturday at 6:30 PM local time to face Real Betis in a challenging La Liga fixture. With the Benito Villamarín stadium undergoing renovations, Betis is currently playing their home games at La Cartuja.

Manager Hansi Flick will be forced to shuffle his attacking lineup due to the absence of Dani Olmo, who joins Ter Stegen, Gavi, and Araujo on the injury list.

The defensive line remains unchanged with Joan Garcia in goal, shielded by the center-back pairing of Cubarsí and Gerard Martín. Koundé will continue at right-back, a significant location for him as he scored the winning goal in the Copa del Rey final at this venue last season. Balde will occupy the left-back position.

Midfield and attack present some questions. Pedri is a guaranteed starter in the double pivot. If Flick opts to rest De Jong, Eric Garcia, fresh from his contract renewal, is expected to partner him. Lamine Yamal is confirmed to start on the right wing. Due to Olmo’s injury, Raphinha is likely to play in the attacking midfield position, with Fermín being carefully managed after recovering from a calf injury.

Raphinha’s shift to the number 10 role could pave the way for Rashford to return to the starting eleven. The Brazilian hasn’t started since November 9th. Ferran Torres and Lewandowski are in contention for the remaining forward spot. While Lewandowski has started the last five games, he has gone goalless in the previous two. This minor drought could give Torres, who recently scored against Atletico Madrid, an opportunity to start.

Barcelona will need to overcome their injury challenges and a tough opponent to maintain their lead in La Liga.

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