Barcelona weigh rotation option as Hansi Flick plots response against Sevilla

The Catalan side know victory is essential if they are to head into the international break at the top of the table, regardless of Real Madrid's result against Villarreal the day before.

Head coach Hansi Flick admitted his side need to reset after the disappointment in Paris. "We have to react well and show the right mentality," Flick has said. "The league remains our priority, and Sevilla will be another big test."

Sevilla have improved under new coach Matias Almeyda, who has added more resilience to a side that struggled earlier in the campaign. Even so, Barcelona remain strong favourites provided they recover from the physical and mental toll of their midweek collapse.

According to reports in Spain, Flick is expected to rotate his squad. Robert Lewandowski, who started on the bench against PSG, is in line for a return to the starting XI, while Marcus Rashford may be given a rest after a run of consecutive matches.

Midfield selection is also a dilemma. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have both played relentlessly, and Flick may consider resting one of them, with academy graduate Marc Casado pushing for more minutes.

Eric Garcia, who impressed in Paris but ended the game fatigued, could also be replaced by Ronald Araujo or Andreas Christensen.

On the left flank, Alejandro Balde has just returned from injury and may still lack rhythm, while Gerard Martin has carried a heavy workload, leaving Flick with another decision to make.

Flick has also been willing to give youth a chance. Dro made his debut against Real Sociedad last week and could feature again, especially with Dani Olmo struggling for form. Highly-rated teenager Toni Fernandez, who has been named in every matchday squad this season, is another option for extra creativity.

For Barcelona, the match offers a chance not only to secure three vital points but also to show that their setback in Paris will not derail their ambitions at home.

READ MORE: Alejandro Grimaldo admits Real Madrid talks before committing to Bayer Leverkusen