As Barcelona and Atalanta prepare for their final Champions League group stage encounter, both sides are grappling with injury concerns that could shape their tactical approaches.
For Barcelona, defensive woes continue as Inigo Martinez remains unavailable due to a persistent hamstring problem. The Catalan giants are also without their first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and midfielder Marc Bernal, both of whom are in the midst of long-term recoveries from knee injuries.
There’s uncertainty surrounding the availability of Dani Olmo, as the attacker is doubtful for Wednesday’s match after sitting out the last two games with a calf issue. However, Barcelona received a boost with Pedri shaking off a recent illness, potentially rejoining the midfield for this crucial fixture.
Manager Hansi Flick may opt to keep faith in Wojciech Szczesny between the posts for a third straight match. The German tactician is also considering reintroducing Gavi and Robert Lewandowski to the starting lineup after resting them in the previous game.
Atalanta face their own selection headaches as they travel to Camp Nou. The Italian side will be without defender Odilon Kossounou and striker Gianluca Scamacca, who are sidelined with adductor and knee injuries respectively.
There’s concern over the fitness of key midfielder Marten de Roon, who was substituted at halftime in Atalanta’s recent match against Como following a head collision. His availability will be subject to late fitness tests.
On a more positive note for Atalanta, Isak Hien is expected to return to the starting eleven after serving a one-match suspension for accumulating yellow cards.
The visitors will be looking to their in-form striker Retegui to maintain his impressive goal-scoring run, having netted five times in Atalanta’s last four competitive outings.
Barcelona (4-3-3): Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde; Gavi, Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Scalvini; Ruggeri, Ederson, Pasalic, Zappacosta; Samardzic; Retegui, Lookman
