Robert Lewandowski will replace Ferran Torres in the Barcelona starting lineup when they take on Girona at Estadi Montilivi on Monday.

Barcelona will be eager to reclaim the top spot in La Liga when they lock horns with Girona at Estadi Montilivi on Monday night. Hansi Flick has no new injury concerns to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.

Gavi (knee), Pedri (hamstring), and Andreas Christensen (ACL) remain long-term absentees for the away side. Meanwhile, Flick continues to sweat over the fitness of Raphinha (thigh) and Marcus Rashford (knee).

However, Eric Garcia is available to take on Girona despite being sent off in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid earlier this week. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided fitness updates on Pedri, Raphinha, and Rashford.

The Barcelona head coach said, “Even though he is much better, Rashford won’t be available, but Raphinha can play. Raphinha is a very important player for us, it’s not the first time I have said that. We have missed him in the games he hasn’t been with us because he raises the level of play and the intensity.”

“I’ve said it more than once: for me, he was the best player in the world last season. I think Pedri will be ready, but with Gavi, we need to handle him with caution. What I saw in the training sessions impressed me. He might not be available in February, but I think he’ll be fit for March.”

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 Girona on Monday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Alejandro Balde.

As for the midfield unit, Eric Garcia will pair up with Frenkie de Jong in the double pivot, with Marc Casado dropping to the bench. Dani Olmo will reprise the no. 10 role, with Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the away side against Girona on Monday. So, Ferran Torres will be a backup option on the bench for the reigning La Liga champions.

Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Eric Garcia, de Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Fermin; Lewandowski