Flick yet to decide on De Jong's starting role; good news on right-back

Flick has not yet decided whether De Jong will start at centre-back against Atlético; Eric García is fit to return after injury.

Barcelona head to Atlético Madrid on Sunday without Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, and manager Hansi Flick is still weighing his options in midfield. Frenkie de Jong could start at his preferred centre-back position for the first time since his injury, having already appeared there as a substitute against Aston Villa and made his defensive return as a starter against Deportivo Alavés. However, Flick declined to confirm the decision at Saturday's press conference, saying: "Frenkie has perhaps more experience, but I'm also very happy with Marc Bernal. We'll talk about it and decide tomorrow."

On the defensive line, there is positive news. Eric García is fit enough to start after missing four matches with an injury sustained against Real Betis. His return likely means Brian Fariñas, who has impressed filling in at right-back in recent games, will drop to the bench, though Flick praised the midfielder's performances. "He'd never played right-back before, but physically and technically he's a good player," Flick said. "He and Lamine Yamal on the same flank worked very well."

Jules Koundé, the other option at right-back, remains sidelined and will need more time to recover. Flick expects him to return after the international break.