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One doubt and tired legs as Barca prepare to face Dortmund in Champions League

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, April 8, 2025
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MADRID, April 8 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona hosts Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday night with one major question to resolve.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has tried to rotate his side as much as possible since returning to action after the international break. But four games in 10 days looked to take its toll as Barca was held to a 1-1 draw at home to Betis on Saturday, despite Flick trying to refresh his side.

With Dani Olmo still out with a muscle injury, Flick's main dilemma is whether to play Gavi or Fermin Lopez in an attacking midfield role, with both players offering something similar to the team in terms of work-rate and goals.

Whoever Flick chooses will start behind a front three of Robert Lewandowski (who has scored 27 goals in 27 games against his former club), Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

The teenager is so important to Barca that he is certain to start despite looking tired against Betis on Saturday, although Ferran Torres will get on as a replacement at some time in the game.

Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, who appears ready to commit his future to Barca, are fixtures in midfield, while in defense, Alexander Balde, Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi will probably be partnered by Inigo Martinez, who has shaken off a slight muscle problem.

Borussia has improved since Nico Kovac replaced Nuri Sahin as coach in January, but his side travels to Barcelona with several key players out injured.

Central defenders Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck are both out, while midfielder Pascal Gross is suspended and Marcel Sabitzer is also struggling for fitness, while Felix Nmecha only played a handful of minutes at the weekend as he also works his way back into shape.

Wednesday's match begins another intense week for both sides with the return leg in Dortmund on April 15, meaning another three games in seven days as Barcelona continue without rest and Flick has to keep on moving his pieces. Enditem

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