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Rodri starting on bench vs PSG raises eyebrows about Barcelona midfielder's injury status ahead of El Clasico
Rodri has struggled with recurring injuries over the past two years and has already racked up substantial minutes this season, balancing a demanding calendar.
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FC Barcelona are set to face Paris Saint-Germain in another Champions League encounter between two clubs with a rich history of memorable meetings.
Rodri benched vs PSG
As the match kicks off at the Parc des Princes, Barcelona’s high-profile summer signing Rodri is absent from Hansi Flick’s starting lineup, with the midfielder named among the substitutes for the clash against the French side.
According to ESPN’s Samuel Marsden, Rodri has not been left out because of a tactical decision alone.
He is reportedly not feeling fully fit, prompting Flick to hold him back from the start. “Marc Bernal starts in place of Rodri, who isn’t 💯, in Paris,” Marsden wrote on X.
Also read | PSG vs Barcelona: All you need to know about the highly anticipated Champions League match
Rodri navigating busy schedule
Rodri has struggled with recurring injuries over the past two years and has already racked up substantial minutes this season, balancing a demanding calendar with both club and international commitments.
Before the PSG encounter, Rodri had appeared in 10 of Barcelona’s 11 games in all competitions, sitting out only the season opener against Elche. He started eight matches and accumulated 690 minutes for the Catalan side.
The midfielder also featured in all four of Spain’s UEFA Nations League fixtures during the international break, starting three and adding to his workload ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League clash.
Flick takes no risks before Clásico
The 30-year-old also need to manage his workload as the midfielder looks to maintain his fitness throughout the campaign.
There is little reason to view the situation as a serious concern, considering the Spaniard played the full 90 minutes over the weekend and even found the net in Barcelona’s 5–2 win over Real Betis.
Also read | Luis Enrique plays down Lamine Yamal comparisons with Lionel Messi: Nobody is going to come out on top
Still, with a potentially decisive Clásico against Real Madrid approaching this weekend, Flick appears unwilling to take any unnecessary risks.
Nevertheless, Rodri could still be brought on in the second half against PSG if Flick feels his presence is needed.
Barcelons starting XI vs PSG
Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
Defense: Joao Cancelo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Xavi Espart
Midfield: Pedri, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal
Forward: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon
