SPORTS: Joan Garcia and Raphinha expected to return against Bilbao

On November 20, the Spanish media "World Sports News" reported that in the game against Real Oviedo, Juan Garcia and Rafinha retired due to injuries. For different reasons, Barca are feeling the impact of their absence keenly. They practiced normally with the rest of their teammates on Tuesday and Wednesday. They are expected to return to the Camp Nou Stadium against Bilbao.

In the past few weeks, Flick has been emphasizing the need to improve his defensive level. Without an effective high press, using such an advanced defensive line will only increase the opponent's chances of finding space.

Cubasi pointed out after the loss to Sevilla: "Opportunities often appear in the frontcourt. We need to restart the high press like last season. We have become a little complacent and this situation cannot continue."

Raphinha's absence is particularly obvious when the team loses possession of the ball. Barcelona clearly lacked energy, stamina and intensity when pressing. Raphinha has always maintained the best level in physical fitness tests. In addition, in terms of ball control, Flick was also forced to adjust the offensive formation and did not follow the previous central system with Raphinha as the core.

His replacement Rashford was placed on the wing, and Barcelona also changed to a two-winger formation. While the change may seem superficial, the team loses fluidity. On average, Raphinha participates in 6 more attacks per game than Rashford. Teammates also have a different connection to the left area.

However, Rashford is the player with the most goals this season, with 6 goals and 7 assists. He is also the Barcelona player with the most shots, 56 in total. He attempts more shots per game than Haaland. With Rashford, Barca are stronger in some areas and weaker in others.

This is already the second consecutive season that Szczesny has been called on in a critical situation. He has failed to reach the level shown by Juan Garcia, although he has also become a victim of cracks in the defensive system.

Joan Garcia returns to turn around a number of tough games. He kept clean sheets in 3 games, something Szczesny failed to do. Against Rayo Vallecano and Newcastle United, despite conceding a goal each time away from home, he proved that Barcelona signed him to add talent in front of the goal line and to change the direction of the game in their own penalty area.