Barcelona faced Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday at the Parc des Princes. Before kick-off, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick explained why Rodri Hernández was left out of the starting line-up and said Gerard Martín was ready to play.
Why Rodri was on the bench
Speaking to Movistar before kick-off in comments reported by Mundo Deportivo, Flick said: "We have to take care of the players."
He also said: "We must take the players' physical condition into account, especially the internationals."
Flick said: "Rodri played the last three matches in full, and that is why we decided to give him a rest. We know how important he is, but we trust Bernal"
No physical problem
In the same comments reported by Mundo Deportivo, Flick said the decision had nothing to do with a physical problem.
Gerard Martín available
Flick said: "Gerard Martín is ready to play, and we did not have many other options."
GOAL reported that medical examinations showed no serious injury for Gerard Martín and that his condition improved enough to allow him to start.
Defensive line-up
GOAL reported that Eric García, Jules Koundé and Andreas Christensen were absent.
GOAL reported that Flick paired Pau Cubarsí alongside Gerard Martín at the heart of the defence, with João Cancelo and Xavi Espart on the flanks.