Alternative XI? Hansi Flick is expected to make up to five changes for Barça-Valencia

FC Barcelona returns to action in LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26 this Sunday against Valencia, a special match as it marks the Blaugrana's home debut of the season. In principle, Hansi Flick could make up to five changes to his lineup compared to the match against Rayo (1-1), two of them forced by injuries.

The manager will not have Alejandro Balde, confirmed out for at least two weeks due to a left thigh injury. The other absence would be Frenkie de Jong, the latter more as a precaution than due to the severity of his ailment.

The Dutchman has a 'minimal' injury near his right glute, but could rest on Sunday to be fully fit for the Champions League debut against Newcastle, on Thursday 18th in England. Flick's other changes point to the center-back pairing and attack.

Hansi Flick would bring the Araujo-Cubarsí duo back to the starting XI

With Balde out, it's most likely that Gerard Martín will occupy the left-back position. Jules Koundé would remain on the right flank, as would Joan García in goal. However, the center-back pairing would see the return of their usual starters, Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsí.

Both were substitutes in Vallecas, with Eric García and Andreas Christensen being chosen. Beyond the adjustment, Barça had a tough time defensively in Vallecas, so if Araujo doesn't suffer any setback with Uruguay on Tuesday, it's likely that the '4' and '5' will regain their places.

The Dane, however, performed at a high level with Denmark in the double European qualifier, while the player from Martorell has started all three league games, in the first two as a right-back. On the left, the other alternative is Jofre Torrents, who was rested by Flick last weekend during the reserves' debut in the Segunda División Federación.

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Barça's attack will also undergo changes against Valencia

Dani Olmo during Levante-Barça (2-3) of LaLiga 25/26

In midfield, if Frenkie de Jong is ultimately not at 100%, Marc Casadó would be his replacement. The '17' started against Levante after the Dutchman's absence due to paternity.

Flick will also have Eric and Marc Bernal as solutions for the pivot position, the latter ready to reappear after more than a year out injured. Gavi, on the other hand, is also expected to be out on Sunday due to his right knee issues.

However, the most striking changes against Valencia could occur in attack. Dani Olmo did not have a good night in Vallecas against Rayo on his return to the starting lineup, and the manager has two options on the table that he already used in matchdays 1 and 2: Fermín López and Marcus Rashford.

The Huelva-born player started against Mallorca, while the Englishman did the same against Levante. Neither has managed to take advantage of their opportunities so far, so Hansi Flick will have to think very carefully about what adjustment to make to the attacking midfielder role. A position where, for the moment, Raphinha has also not been able to shine.

Finally, the other doubt in the XI concerns the team's '9'. Rafa and Lamine Yamal will remain untouchable alongside Pedri, but Robert Lewandowski seems ready to reclaim his spot after three matchdays in which Ferran Torres has scored a couple of goals.

Both scored with Poland and Spain in the FIFA window, respectively, a factor that further complicates the coach's decision. If 'Lewy' is physically at his best, he should return to the lineup, although 'El Tiburón' (Ferran Torres) has been performing well. Both strikers trained on Tuesday at Ciutat Esportiva and promise a good fight to be the starting '9' against Valencia.

Barcelona's possible XI against Valencia:

• Probable XI: Joan García; Jules Koundé, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín; Marc Casadó, Pedri; Fermín López, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal; Ferran Torres.

Compared to the match against Rayo, the changes would be:

1. Ronald Araujo for Eric García
2. Pau Cubarsí for Andreas Christensen
3. Gerard Martín for Alejandro Balde (injury)
4. Marc Casadó for Frenkie de Jong (precaution)
5. Fermín López for Dani Olmo