The coach Hans Flick faces several urgent technical decisions before the match between Barcelona and Valencia in the fourth round of the Spanish League 2025/2026, which is the team's first match at home this season.

After the international break, Flick finds himself compelled to adjust his lineup due to significant absences, most notably Frenkie de Jong, Alejandro Balde, and Gavi.

The main decisions facing Flick are:

1- Center-backs: Flick started the season with the duo Araújo and Koundé, but he changed in the third round and brought in Eric Garcia and Christensen. It seems that Christensen is in good form, while Koundé remains a primary candidate.

2- Left-back: Balde's absence opens the door for Gerard Martin or Jofre Torrent, who has previously played officially against Mallorca.

3- Midfield: With de Jong and Gavi absent, Flick may revert to the duo Casado and Pedri, as he did against Levante. Another option is to delay the inclusion of Firmin, or introduce Marc Bernal, who is close to returning, but not to start the match.

4- Playmaker: Three players have occupied the position so far: Raphinha, Firmin, and Olmo, and this time the choice will depend on physical readiness after international appearances, with Rashford potentially getting a bigger opportunity.

5- Striker: The choice remains between Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski, who has returned from injury and proved his readiness with Poland.

Flick has only four days to finalize these technical options before hosting Valencia in round four of La Liga.