Confusion over Rodri's replacement: Barcelona's expected line-up for the Atletico clash

The news isn't all bad for the German coach. He can call on Eric García and Andreas Christensen for the match after both received medical clearance.

García picked up his injury against Real Betis on 17 October, damaging the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh, and faced a layoff of between three and four weeks. The Spanish defender recovered in just three, and he's ready even to start, Flick revealed during yesterday's press conference.

Christensen began the season in fine form before getting hurt in Seville on 19 September, suffering an injury to the rectus femoris of the quadriceps in his left leg. The prognosis was around six weeks, a period that ends this week. The Danish defender will be at the Metropolitano, but Flick won't risk playing him.

Two defenders back, then, to bolster a back line ravaged by injuries, with Xavi Espart and Jules Koundé also sidelined, according to a report by Sport newspaper.

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A raft of absences, combined with Flick's reluctance to lean on Baldé, has forced the coach into a rethink: Bryan Gil at right-back. Will the German stick with the former Valencia man against Metropolitano, or roll the dice on Eric García? Either way, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín and João Cancelo are nailed on to complete the back line.

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Who replaces Rodri? That remains one of the trickier questions hanging over Barcelona's line-up, particularly for a fixture as big as Atletico Madrid. Against Aston Villa, Flick turned to Marc Bernal, who delivered a fine second half alongside Pedri.

Bernal now finds himself in a straight fight with Frenkie de Jong for a starting spot. The Dutchman has started to see more minutes since recovering from the injury he picked up at the 2026 World Cup.

Up front, Fermin Lopez is expected to pull the strings in the playmaker role, with Lamine Yamal on the right, Raphinha through the middle and Gordon on the left. Adeyemi could also feature after being left without a single minute against Aston Villa in the Champions League.

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The newspaper Mundo Deportivo have named their expected Barcelona line-up for today's clash with Atletico Madrid on matchday 12 of La Liga, setting them up in a 4-2-3-1 as follows:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia.

Defence: Bryan Farinas, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo.

Midfield: Marc Bernal, Pedri/ Fermin Lopez, Anthony Gordon.

Attack: Raphinha.

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Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, remain without Cristian Romero because of a muscle injury, and Johnny Cardoso is also sidelined with a thigh problem.

Morten Hjulmand comes back into the side after sitting out the Bayern Munich game. Lee Kang-in could also return to the starting XI alongside Julián Álvarez.

The newspaper expects Simeone to line up in a 4-4-2:

Goalkeeper: Oblak.

Defence: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Javi Galán.

Midfield: Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Morten Hjulmand, Álex Baena.

Attack: Lee Kang-in, Julián Álvarez.

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