Barcelona team news: Youngster set to start against Real Madrid after impressive PSG display

Barcelona team news: Youngster set to start against Real Madrid after impressive PSG display Xavi Espart is expected to retain Barcelona’s right-back spot for Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid after impressing Hansi Flick with a standout performance against Paris Saint-Germain, reports Javi Miguel of AS . The 19-year-old academy graduate has reportedly convinced the Barcelona coach that he deserves to start at the Spotify Camp Nou, with Jules Kounde unlikely to be fit enough to feature from the opening whistle. Espart’s display in Paris was particularly impressive given the quality of the opposition. He helped contain Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, one of Europe’s most dangerous wingers, and capped his performance with a goal. Barcelona, therefore, are now expected to keep faith with the youngster as they prepare for another demanding test against Real Madrid. Espart’s PSG performance convinces Flick Espart has emerged as one of Barcelona’s most encouraging stories this season. Flick had already been impressed by the teenager’s contribution at left-back, where he has challenged established options Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde for opportunities. However, his performance on the right against PSG appears to have strengthened his case even further. Xavi Espart was impressive vs PSG. (Picture credit: X/@FCBarcelona) Espart limited Kvaratskhelia’s influence and contributed at the other end, demonstrating a combination of defensive discipline and attacking confidence that is difficult to overlook. The challenge against Real Madrid will be different. With Vinicius Jr. suspended, Espart could face Yan Diomande, who presents another demanding test. Nevertheless, his display against Kvaratskhelia has given Flick reason to trust him in another high-profile fixture. Espart’s performance was all the more notable because he was managing discomfort in his quadriceps before the match. He had worked with a physiotherapist to ease the tension in the area and also took a heavy knock to his ankle during the game . Neither issue is expected to prevent him from playing on Sunday, according to the report. Kounde injury opens the door Set to start vs Real Madrid. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images) Kounde’s ankle sprain has further strengthened Espart’s chances of starting against Real Madrid. The French defender is not expected to be ready to play on Sunday. And, even if he makes the matchday squad, he would likely begin on the bench and potentially feature for only a few minutes. Unless there is a late change, Barcelona are expected to field the same back four that started against PSG: Espart at right-back, Cancelo on the left, and Pau Cubarsi alongside Gerard Martin in central defence. The immediate priority is Sunday’s Clasico , but Espart’s form could force Flick to reconsider the defensive hierarchy beyond this one match. Sustained performances at this level would make it harder for the coach to leave the teenager out, even when his more experienced defenders return to full fitness.