Barcelona is preparing to face Atletico Madrid, in the first of three anticipated encounters between the two teams, amidst potential changes in the backline that may reshape the entire defensive system, with Eric Garcia returning to the forefront.

According to the Spanish newspaper 'Sport', the anticipated match at the Metropolitano Stadium, as part of the league competitions, comes as a prelude to a series of other encounters between the two teams, most notably in the Champions League quarter-finals, where Barcelona enters the match missing Raphinha offensively, with both Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde not ready for main participation.

The newspaper indicated that Eric Garcia is considered a key element in coach Hans Flick's plans, thanks to his ability to play in more than one position, whether as a right-back, center-back, or defensive midfielder, which gives him a pivotal role in rearranging the defensive line.

Sport confirmed that the player is close to returning to the starting lineup after recovering from physical issues that kept him out of recent matches against Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano, in addition to his limited participation against Newcastle, which suggests his entry into the starting lineup against Atletico Madrid.

The newspaper explained that Eric Garcia's participation could lead to a domino effect in defense, where he might occupy the right-back position, which could push Ronald Araujo to the bench or transition to center-back, alongside Pau Cubarsi, who is a fixed element in the lineup.

It added that this scenario might reflect on Gerard Martin, who could return to the left-back position, while Joao Cancelo continues to perform increasingly well in recent weeks, with Flick preferring to use him on the opposite side.

The same source highlighted that whenever Eric Garcia is physically ready, he participates as a starter in recent months, reflecting the coaching staff's confidence in his capabilities and enhancing his chances of being in the lineup during the upcoming encounter.

The report pointed out that Garcia's entry will come at the expense of one of the main defenders, except for Cubarsi, who remains a fixed element, opening the door to the possibility of excluding one of the trio Araujo, Gerard Martin, or Joao Cancelo, amidst increasing competition with the approaching full readiness of Kounde and Balde.