El Clásico is just around the corner, and Barcelona find themselves on the cusp of securing back-to-back La Liga titles. A draw or win against Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday would be enough to seal the championship, but Hansi Flick's squad won't be at full strength for this high-stakes showdown.

The biggest blow is the absence of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season after a hamstring injury suffered against Celta Vigo. Meanwhile, Brazilian winger Raphinha is also a major doubt for a starting role. Although he was passed fit for last weekend's victory over Osasuna, he didn't play a single minute at El Sadar. According to reports, he's unlikely to feature in the starting XI against Los Blancos.

Raphinha's potential absence creates a significant tactical dilemma for Flick. Before the German coach's arrival in the summer of 2024, Raphinha was a regular on the right wing. With Yamal out, he was seen as the natural replacement on that flank. Now, Flick must choose between two other candidates to fill the void.

It's expected that Flick will field a similar lineup to the one that beat Osasuna, with Fermin Lopez likely continuing on the left. The real question is who will start on the opposite wing. The two contenders are Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji.

Bardghji has started both matches since Yamal's injury but has struggled to make an impact. In contrast, Rashford has been electric off the bench in the last two games, scoring against Getafe and providing an assist in the win over Osasuna. The big debate now is whether Flick will keep Rashford as a game-changing substitute or give him a chance to shine from the start.

Whoever gets the nod will have a golden opportunity to make a name for themselves in one of football's biggest fixtures. With the title on the line, every decision counts, and this El Clásico promises to be a thriller.