Barcelona head into Saturday’s meeting with Villarreal back where they want to be, at the top of La Liga, but Hansi Flick once again has selection decisions to make.
The 3-0 win over Levante last weekend restored Barcelona’s place at the summit after Real Madrid slipped up, easing some of the noise that followed recent setbacks in both the league and Copa del Rey.
Another victory at home would strengthen their grip, though Villarreal are one of the division’s most consistent sides this season.
There was encouraging news for Flick against Levante, with Pedri making his long-awaited return from injury.
The midfielder completed his cameo with no issue and is now expected to move straight back into the starting lineup, a timely lift given Frenkie de Jong’s absence through a distal biceps injury in his right leg that is expected to keep him out for several weeks.
Gavi has also returned to training after his lengthy spell out, but is still being eased carefully toward full fitness and is unlikely to feature from the start.
Andreas Christensen remains sidelined, while youngster Jofre Torrents continues recovery work. Defender Gerard Martín will miss the match due to suspension.
Changes in midfield now look inevitable, with Marc Casadó in line to come into the side alongside Pedri as Barcelona prepare for a Villarreal team capable of punishing mistakes.
Further forward, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are expected to keep their places out wide, while Fermin Lopez’s impressive showing last time out may earn him another start behind Robert Lewandowski, who continues to lead the line.
