"What are they cooking", "I feel alive again" - Fans react as Barcelona duo benched for LaLiga clash against Celta Vigo

Barcelona fans online were left happy with Ferran Torres and Jules Kounde being benched in their LaLiga clash against Celta Vigo on November 9.

Hansi Flick's starting XI has a strong lineup, with Wojciech Szczesny guarding the goal. Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, and Eric Garcia form the backline. Garcia appears to play as the right back in place of Jules Kounde. who was benched due to reported injury issues. The midfield includes Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado, and Frenkie de Jong.

The attacking lineup includes Marcus Rashford, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal. With Lewandowski back from injury, this match marks his return as a starter with Ferran Torres on the bench.

Fans took to X to react to Barcelona's starting lineup, with many being happy about Jules Kounde and Ferran Torres not being in the lineup. The reaction comes after both Kounde and Torres failed to perform up to the mark in their previous games, including the 2-1 loss in the Clasico and the 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League.

Speaking of the lineup, one X user wrote:

"No Kounde and Ferran in the lineup I feel alive again."

Culers continued to share their thoughts on the lineup, especially celebrating Lewandowski's return:

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick shares update on Jules Kounde's fitness

In the pre-match press conference, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick shared an injury update about French defender Jules Kounde. Despite concerns about his fitness, Kounde was included in the squad to face Celta Vigo, although he did not start in the clash.

"Jules? He hasn’t finished training, and I have doubts he’ll make the squad. I don’t think he’ll be ready, but we have another day. We’ll wait and see," Flick said (via Barca Universal)

Meanwhile, Flick also confirmed Eric Garcia's availability, who appears to have replaced Kounde in the lineup as a right back.

"Eric can play, he’s fine. With a mask, though," the German coach said.

Eric Garcia notably broke his nose during Barcelona's 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League. He was reportedly rushed to the hospital after the game and received treatment for his injury. However, the Spaniard returned to training ahead of facing Celta Vigo with a protective mask on his face.

With Real Madrid drawing against Rayo Vallecano earlier tonight, Barcelona have the chance to reduce the gap between them, which currently stands at 6 points. If they win tonight, the Catalans can move up to second place in the LaLiga table, marking a three-point difference from their archrivals, keeping the title race alive.

Edited by Pratyasha Sarkar