Frenkie de Jong and Ferran Torres will return to the Barcelona starting lineup when they take on Elche at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on Saturday.

Barcelona will be eager to continue the recent three-match winning run when they lock horns with Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on Saturday night. Hansi Flick has received a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.

Frenkie de Jong is available after missing the UEFA Champions League clash with FC Copenhagen earlier this week due to a suspension. However, Gavi (knee), Pedri (hamstring), and Andreas Christensen (ACL) remain in the treatment room.

Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick heaped praise on Marc Bernal and Marc Casado, suggesting the duo should have a bright future at the Catalan club. The German tactician also provided fitness updates on Pedri and Gavi.

The Barcelona boss said, “When you’re young, I think it’s important to have passion. You’re playing with the best players in the world and for the best club. Each of them is aware of that and feels the Barça colours in their heart. I feel grateful to have players like Casado and Bernal with that attitude. I love it.”

“Bernal is a vital player, he’s doing things very well. He has to go step by step; he feels good, but in the end he needs patience to keep improving and keep working. We’re helping him and it’s fantastic to see.”

Of course, I’m satisfied with the squad. The injured players will be back: Pedri is halfway through his recovery, Gavi is also training more than before, and we’ll see what happens. Andreas too. I have a great team, a lot of quality, but also players from the reserve team and La Masia who have the quality to play one, two, or three games. Tommy is doing a great job, Jofre too.”

Joan Garcia is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Elche CF on Saturday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Alejandro Balde.

As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong will line up alongside Eric Garcia in the double pivot, with Dani Olmo dropping to the bench. Fermin Lopez will reprise the no. 10 role, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. Finally, Ferran Torres will replace Robert Lewandowski as the central striker. So, Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford, and Olmo will be backup options on the bench for the away side.

Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Eric Garcia, de Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Ferran Torres