Barça: Flick weighs De Jong and Bernal options before Metropolitano trip

Barça are preparing to face Atlético at the Metropolitano, with their starting line-up still to be decided. Hansi Flick has two important players back, but Rodri’s absence leaves a key midfield question: will Frenkie de Jong or Marc Bernal take his place?

Flick has yet to settle on either option. “I haven’t decided yet whether De Jong will start. It’s good to think about it in the evening. We know his quality, but Bernal has quality too. He did very well in the last match and I like him a lot,” Flick said. He did not mention Gavi as an option in the double pivot.

The coach also outlined what each candidate brings. “Frenkie can play in several positions, not just as a number 6. They are similar. Frenkie has more experience, but with the ball both have confidence and conviction. Bernal has done very well and knows which area he needs to be in. I’m very happy with him, and also with Frenkie’s return. We have to find the right starting XI; we have time to decide,” Flick explained.

Barça could also have Eric García and Andreas Christensen available again. Eric García could even start, although Flick has not decided whether to use him in central defence or at full-back. The projected back line would have Eric on the right, Cubarsí and Gerard Martín in central defence, and Cancelo on the left.

Rodri is unavailable after suffering an injury to the right thigh during the match against Aston Villa. Choosing his replacement matters in a direct contest near the top of the table: Barça will seek a win to retain the league lead before the international break, with Real Madrid watching the result. Flick has said he wants his team to reach the break at the top of the standings.

Joan Laporta visited the Ciutat Esportiva to encourage the squad ahead of the match. He also spoke with Flick and Deco, the club’s sporting director.