Hansi Flick’s one major doubt for the Barcelona lineup ahead of Mallorca clash

Barcelona open their 2025/26 La Liga campaign this evening away at Son Moix as they take on RCD Mallorca on the first matchday of the new season.

The defending champions will be eager to start the campaign on a winning note and set the tone for what is to come with a statement performance.

Following a solid pre-season, manager Hansi Flick and his brigade will be in a confident mood heading into the opener at Son Moix.

Flick’s only doubt – Eric Garcia or Jules Kounde at right-back?

Now, according to SPORT, leading up to the game, Barcelona head coach Flick has only one doubt with regard to his starting lineup for the Mallorca clash.

Indeed, the German tactician is debating who to start at right-back between Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia for today’s game.

Kounde, who renewed his contract until 2030 on Friday, has been the first-choice starter at right-back under Flick and has done exceedingly well, emerging as one of the team’s most consistent and important players.

Will Kounde start vs Mallorca? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

However, Garcia has earned Flick’s trust with reliable displays whenever given a chance, to the point that the manager sees him as a genuine option to replace Kounde in the lineup.

It must also be remembered that the former Manchester City starlet got the nod over the Frenchman at right-back for the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Como last weekend.

So, it will be interesting to see whether it is Kounde or Garcia that starts at right-back against Mallorca later today at Son Moix.

Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo appears set to feature as Pau Cubarsi’s partner at centre-back and will be captaining the team.

As for the attacking midfield slot, Fermin Lopez appears to have an edge over Dani Olmo. Ferran Torres is the likeliest option to start as the No. 9 in the absence of Robert Lewandowski.