Barcelona superstar will return to the starting lineup vs Osasuna after Getafe rest

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick carried out a few changes in the last game against Getafe, as he opted to keep a few of his star players fresh ahead of a gruelling schedule.

One of them was Pedri, who only appeared as a 77th-minute substitute. The midfielder had started the game on the bench, with Flick giving Pablo Torre, Eric Garcia, and Marc Casado a start against Getafe.

Pedri to return to the starting eleven

However, Pedri looks all set to return to the starting lineup of FC Barcelona as the Catalans take on CA Osasuna on Saturday.

According to SPORT, Pedri is likely to start in the engine room of the Barcelona midfield, with Flick hopeful that he can offer the creative exuberance in the middle of the park.

The report adds that Flick is expected to bring in a few changes against Osasuna, as this is the team’s third match in just seven days.

Pedri could return to the Barcelona starting eleven (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Keeping that in mind, some first-team stars could start on the bench against Osasuna, which makes Pedri’s presence all the more important.

With Gavi and Frenkie de Jong still missing in action, Pedri’s creativity, coupled with his expertise on the ball would make him a vital figure in Barcelona’s build-up play.

Who will start alongside Pedri?

One would normally expect Eric Garcia and Marc Casado to start in midfield alongside Pedri. But the latter did not train with the group heading into this game, and it won’t be surprising to see Flick relying on other alternatives.

Should only one of them start in central midfield, Flick could opt for Torre as the No. 10. Another alternative could be Raphinha operating as a number ten, but that option is unlikely considering the fact that Barcelona also require quality on the flanks.