A Barcelona player who will likely start against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in El Clásico claimed he didn’t want to play just a few weeks ago.
For most footballers, playing in one of Europe’s most prestigious games would be a dream come true, but not everyone thinks so.
On Sunday, La Liga leaders Real Madrid will be hoping to extend their current two-point gap on Barcelona at the summit of the Spanish top flight, with head coach Xabi Alonso likely to turn to star men Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham from the start.
As for Barca, Hansi Flick has a multitude of attacking options to choose from, including Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford and Raphinha, among others.
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A supporting midfield cast of Pedri, Fermin Lopez and Marc Casado may also start against Los Blancos, but there are still question marks when it comes to team selection as right-back Jules Kounde missed training on Friday.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski remains sidelined with a thigh injury he picked up while playing for Poland during the international break.
Flick will also have to contend with the absence of goalkeepers Marc-Andre ter Stegen and summer recruit Joan Garcia, who underwent surgery on a torn medial meniscus in his left knee in September.
As a result, former Arsenal and Juventus ‘keeper Wojciech Szczęsny will be handed the task of keeping Mbappe and Co out, despite recently claiming that he hoped fans “don’t have to see” him in the fixture.
When speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo earlier this month, the Pole said: “I don't know [how long Garcia will be injured for].
“I hope they don't have to see me because I want Joan to recover quickly from his injury.
“I know what my role is this season, and for me, my greatest achievement will be for Joan Garcia to have a great and successful season, so for my part, there's no competition, no rivalry between us.
“I'm just trying to support him in the best way possible. I can, but I hope he comes back as soon as possible. That doesn't mean I'm lazy and don't want to play. I like playing games, but I just hope he returns soon.”
Szczęsny went on to say that, as a result of “being happy” with what he’s achieved in his career, having won three Serie A titles, two FA Cup crowns and three Coppa Italias, he is more than pleased to help his counterparts, but also claimed to give his best when he is needed.
Topics: El Clasico, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Football, La Liga
Luke Davies