Hansi Flick delivers big injury blow for Barcelona ahead of La Liga’s El Clasico: Key star set to start Real Madrid clash on bench
Sunday’s El Clasico showdown between Barcelona and Real Madrid promises to be one of the most decisive fixtures in recent La Liga history. With the title potentially hanging in the balance, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both sides. Yet just before the clash at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed a major selection decision that could tilt the scales—though he’s choosing caution over sentiment when it comes to one of his biggest stars.
The Blaugrana have been building momentum under Flick, and a victory over their fiercest rivals would virtually seal their La Liga title. But despite their domestic dominance and their recent record against Madrid, the German tactician has been forced to take a conservative approach with a crucial piece of his attacking puzzle.
For Hansi Flick, this match isn’t just about three points—it’s about cementing dominance in a season where he’s already orchestrated three victories over Real Madrid across all competitions. No manager has ever claimed four Clasico wins in a single campaign, a fact that adds even more gravity to this occasion.
Barcelona have welcomed back Alejandro Balde and Marc Casado into full training, both of whom are expected to be available for the weekend. The squad looks sharp, and according to a previous report from Sport, the manager already has a firm idea of the starting XI he will deploy on Sunday. However, it won’t include a certain goal machine.
The injury blow revealed
After weeks of speculation and recovery updates, Robert Lewandowski will not start the El Clasico. The Polish striker has scored 40 goals this season across all competitions, but his recent injury struggles have compromised his fitness.
Lewandowski sustained the issue during the club’s 4-3 win over Celta Vigo on April 19, ruling him out of four key matches—including their Copa del Rey final victory over Real Madrid and the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Inter. Though he returned midweek and featured in the final 30 minutes of the second-leg defeat to Inter at San Siro, Flick isn’t ready to gamble.
“I don’t think so from the start,” Flick told reporters on Saturday. “Gerard [Martin] and the rest of the players are doing very well, we have to be very careful. I think in the second half they can get minutes.”