"Deserved to start more than Fermin", "Why is he on the bench" - Barcelona fans question star's absence from XI for Frankfurt clash

Barcelona fans have been left perplexed by the decision of manager Hansi Flick to name teenager Roony Bardghji on the bench for their UEFA Champions League tie. The Spanish champions are set to lock horns with Eintracht Frankfurt as they aim to return to winning ways in the competition.

La Blaugrana were on the receiving end of a 3-0 humbling at the hands of Chelsea in their most recent Champions League game last month. They have since bounced back domestically, winning three games on the spin in LaLiga to open up a four-point gap atop the standings.

Flick named Sweden youngster Bardghji in the XI for their game against Real Betis last weekend, and the 19-year-old responded by getting on the scoresheet. The German tactician has, however, opted to have the fit-again Fermin Lopez in the XI against Frankfurt while Bardghji returns to the bench. Lamine Yamal started in the number ten role last weekend, and the 18-year-old returns to his regular right-wing position following Lopez's return.

Barcelona fans are unconvinced by Flick's decision to leave out Bardghji from the XI, and some of them took to X to complain.

A fan argued that the Swede ought to start ahead of Lopez.

OG ✊🏾

@Danny__dis

@FCBarcelona @ChampionsLeague Roony should have started over Fermin

Another fan rued the shift from playing Lamine Yamal and Roony Bardghji last weekend.

Abe

@AbeCF_

@ReshadFCB no Lamine as a 10 and no Roony

A fan questioned the logic behind benching Bardghji for the game.

eldokrul

@BartekPasierbek

@ReshadFCB why is roony on the bench again???

Another fan argued that Bardghji is more deserving of a start than Fermin Lopez.

Lu 𓂆

@peuCubarsi

@FCBarcelona @ChampionsLeague Roony deserved to start more than fermin

Roony Bardghji opened his Barcelona account in Seville, having joined the club in a cut-price deal from FC Copenhagen in the summer. Fermin Lopez has been a regular for La Blaugrana in recent seasons, and has found the net thrice in four Champions League games this season. His last start also came in the competition, in the defeat at Stamford Bridge, where he picked up an injury.

Barcelona captain absent, granted time off for spiritual reboot: Reports

Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo has been granted an indefinite leave of absence as he has reportedly travelled to Israel in search of spiritual upliftment. The 26-year-old Uruguay international has not appeared for La Blaugrana since receiving a red card against Chelsea last month.

Araujo was sent off for two bookings in the first half as his side succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in London. He was the subject of online abuse afterwards, prompting rival Thibaut Courtois to speak up in his defense as he excused himself from the squad.

Barca Blaugranes reports that Ronald Araujo has now gone to Jerusalem to disconnect from football, seek spiritual guidance, and find a space for calm. He is suspended for the Eintracht Frankfurt game, but has no set date for his return to action.