A Major Surprise in Barcelona’s Squad to Face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey Final

Hansi Flick has officially announced Barcelona’s squad list for the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final, scheduled to take place tomorrow, Saturday, April 26th, at the iconic La Cartuja Stadium. The final will see Barcelona clash against their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, in a match that carries immense significance for both sides.

Barcelona enters the final with the ambition of extending their impressive form throughout the current season. The Catalan giants are aiming to add the Copa del Rey trophy to their cabinet, further solidifying their success this year. The team has shown resilience and tactical prowess, making them a formidable opponent in this crucial encounter.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, is equally determined to emerge victorious. The Madridistas are looking to the Copa del Rey as an opportunity to bounce back and reconcile with their passionate fanbase, especially after their recent elimination from the prestigious Champions League. Winning this final would provide a much-needed boost and restore some pride to the club.

The squad announcement from Hansi Flick has brought forth a significant surprise: the return of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. This development has injected a new wave of optimism into the Barcelona camp. Ter Stegen’s return to action comes after weeks of dedicated training alongside his teammates. The German goalkeeper received the medical green light on Friday, confirming his readiness to be included in the squad for the Copa del Rey showdown against Real Madrid.

Ter Stegen’s last appearance on the pitch dates back to September 22nd, a day that marked a turning point in his season. During a match against Villarreal, he suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee, an injury that has kept him sidelined for a considerable period.

Despite his return to the squad, it is widely expected that Ter Stegen will start the match on the bench at La Cartuja. This decision is primarily attributed to his lack of competitive match fitness. While he has been training, the intensity and demands of a final against Real Madrid are a different challenge altogether.

The return of Ter Stegen is undoubtedly positive news for Barcelona as they approach this crucial Copa del Rey final. His presence, even on the bench, provides a significant boost to the team’s morale and offers a valuable option for Hansi Flick if needed.

However, Barcelona will also be facing some key absences in this final. Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde have not yet fully recovered from their respective muscle injuries. Consequently, both players have been excluded from the squad selected to face Real Madrid. Their absence represents a considerable setback to Hansi Flick’s tactical plans.

Lewandowski’s goal-scoring prowess is a major loss for Barcelona’s attack. His ability to find the back of the net and create opportunities will be missed. Similarly, Balde’s contributions in defense and his dynamic presence on the left flank are crucial elements of Barcelona’s gameplay.

In addition to Lewandowski and Balde, the injured duo of Marc Casado and Marc Bernal will also be unavailable for selection. Both players are currently undergoing their individual recovery programs, separate from the main group. Their absence further limits Hansi Flick’s options in the squad.

Despite these injuries, Barcelona still boasts a strong and talented squad capable of competing at the highest level. The team’s depth will be tested, and other players will need to step up to fill the void left by the injured players. The Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid is set to be a thrilling encounter.

Here is the complete list of players included in Barcelona’s squad for the Copa del Rey final:

Goalkeepers: Wojciech Szczęsny, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Iñaki Peña.

Defense line: Iñigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Gerard Martin, Hector Fort, and Andreas Christensen.

Midfield: Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Eric Garcia, Fermin Lopez, Pablo Torre, and Frenkie de Jong.

Attack line: Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, and Pau Victor.

The match promises to be a captivating contest, with both teams eager to lift the trophy and claim bragging rights.