Hansi Flick facing several selection doubts as Barcelona prepare for Valencia clash

Hansi Flick facing several selection doubts as Barcelona prepare for Valencia clash Barcelona head to Mestalla tomorrow with an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the table after Real Madrid’s defeat to Real Betis. However, manager Hansi Flick also has one eye on a demanding stretch of fixtures. The visit to Valencia comes just days before Barcelona begin their Champions League campaign against Feyenoord.  With four matches packed into ten days before the next international break, Flick has little choice but to manage minutes carefully, particularly with several players still building their fitness. Midfield could be the first area to change, with Rodri pushing for his first Barcelona start . Rodri ready for first Barcelona start Rodrigo has made two appearances from the bench since arriving at Barcelona and is now expected to take another step towards full match fitness at Mestalla. The midfielder needs regular minutes after his gradual introduction, with the Champions League also looming.  Flick might want to rest Xavi Espart. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Barcelona will hope the Spaniard can eventually become an important presence in their midfield, but Flick must balance that long-term objective with the immediate demands of a busy schedule. There is also a decision to make at left-back. Joao Cancelo could return to the starting XI, although Xavi Espart has given Flick a genuine selection dilemma . Espart has started all three matches so far and has impressed despite playing on the left, despite naturally being a right-back.  Cancelo arrived with expectations of being the first-choice option, while Alejandro Balde is also competing for the position. Gabriel Jesus and Gavi provide positive fitness news As per Mundo Deportivo , Gabriel Jesus remains a doubt for Valencia despite completing Wednesday’s training session.  His inclusion in the squad will depend on whether Flick considers him ready, while his potential minutes would also need to be carefully managed. Gabriel Jesus is a doubt for the Valencia clash. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website) Gavi, on the other hand, should be available after completing training without reported setbacks.  He suffered a knee knock against Elche but has now returned to work with the group. Iu Martinez is another player attracting attention. The academy winger has trained with the first team for two successive sessions and is gradually becoming more involved around Flick’s senior squad. Anthony Gordon could be rested Flick also faces a decision in attack after Anthony Gordon started Barcelona’s last two games and performed strongly. The winger could retain his place at Mestalla, but with Feyenoord approaching, rotation would make sense.  Hence, Karim Adeyemi, who started Barcelona’s league opener against Elche before dropping out of the XI, could therefore receive another opportunity.