Barcelona has had Lamine Yamal back on Sunday after a three-week absence due to injury. The 17-year-old attacker has not played since September 7, when he participated in Spain's 6-0 thrashing of Turkey in the World Cup qualifiers. Since then, he has missed the Blaugrana's matches against Valencia, Getafe, and Real Oviedo.

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In the press conference prior to the match at Montjuic against Real Sociedad, Hansi Flick confirmed that the player will get playing time. "Yamal will get playing time, whether as a starter or on the bench. I'm not worried about a possible relapse. When players return, it's because we're convinced they're ready," said the German coach.

Options in the starting eleven and rotations for the Champions League

Yamal's return coincides with a panorama full of unknowns in the starting eleven. Barca faces the match against Real Sociedad without Raphinha and Joan Garcia, in addition to the imminent Champions League match against PSG, which forces Flick to manage his efforts. Marcus Rashford is expected to be the main attacking reference. Around him, the coach could opt for the youthful Roony Bardghi, who already saw minutes against Valencia, while Yamal would come on in the second half to regain competitive rhythm. Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski are also options, even together, with Rashford moved to the side. Gerard Martin seems certain to be a fixture in defense, while Alejandro Balde's possible return would follow a similar plan to Yamal's: a few minutes against Real Sociedad and a greater role against PSG. Araujo and Christensen could reappear in central defense, leaving Jules Kounde at right back. Midfield is the area most limited by injuries. Without Gavi and Fermin, and with caution regarding Marc Bernal, Flick will rely on Pedri, De Jong, and Casado, while Dani Olmo is emerging as the offensive link for the third consecutive time.

Return to Montjuic

The match against Real Sociedad also marks Barcelona's return to the Montjuic Olympic Stadium. The team had started the season as a visitor and was subsequently forced to play at the Estadi Johan Cruyff due to delays in the construction of the Camp Nou and the City Council's refusal to bring forward its return.