Sat Jan 03 19:10:00 UTC 2026: ## Barcelona Set to Face Espanyol with Recovered Players, but Unchanged Lineup Expected

Barcelona, Spain – FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is set to welcome back key players Pedri and Dani Olmo to the squad for tonight’s highly anticipated derby clash against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium. Both players have recovered from their respective injuries – Pedri from muscular discomfort and Olmo from a shoulder dislocation – and are available for selection.

Despite their return, Flick is expected to field an unchanged starting eleven from their last match, with the exception of Rashford in place of Fermin. According to yesterday’s training session, the predicted lineup is: Joan Garcia in goal, returning to his former home; Koundé, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and Balde in defense; Eric will continue as pivot, with Frenkie de Jong alongside him in midfield; Raphinha as attacking midfielder; and Lamine Yamal, Rashford, and Ferran Torres leading the attack.

Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo is training with the group after his return from Uruguay, but he still isn’t mentally fit to play. Araujo has communicated to Hansi Flick and it depends on his sensantions if he will join the team to Arabia for the Spanish Supercup.

Barcelona is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia via a charter flight on Monday, where they will be lodging at the Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah.

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