FC Barcelona completed their final training session ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés. The session, held under heavy rain at the Joan Gamper Sports City, saw coach Hansi Flick fine-tuning his lineup amidst the defensive injury crisis.
Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde remain sidelined for several weeks following recent injuries, joined by Andreas Christensen’s absence. To address these gaps, Flick has integrated young players from the B team — right back Xavi Espar and left-sided center-back Álvaro Corés, the youth squad captain — into first-team training, observing them closely as potential defensive options.
A positive development is the availability of Robert Lewandowski, who trained normally for the second day running wearing a protective mask after sustaining a fractured orbital bone during the match against Villarreal. The Polish striker is expected to lead the attacking line at San Mamés.
Barcelona approaches this tie after a physically demanding Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético Madrid, narrowly missing the final. With no Copa commitments this year, the team focuses fully on two objectives: maintaining their lead in La Liga and progressing in the Champions League. Currently, Barcelona tops the league table with a four-point advantage over Real Madrid.
Athletic, sitting ninth in La Liga, seek to build on recent league form despite their own Copa exit. However, they face key absences with Nico Williams injured and Yeray Álvarez suspended.
San Mamés will once again offer a challenging atmosphere, with Athletic aiming to impose high intensity and pressure. Barcelona looks to control the match tempo through possession and capitalize on their attacking prowess, particularly with Lewandowski in front, to extend their winning streak against Athletic in recent encounters. This game will test Flick’s squad depth amid defensive injuries as they pursue their key season goals.
