Bombshell! Flick confirms the big news: 'Joan García will rest against Guadalajara'

Barça face Guadalajara tonight in the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey. On paper, the difference between both teams is enormous and hard to dispute. While the Catalans lead LaLiga, their rival are fighting to get out of the relegation spots in Primera Federación.

Logic suggests an easy tie for Barça without too many scares. However, the Copa del Rey has shown countless times that it doesn't care about favorites or recent form. That unpredictable factor explains why Hansi Flick still keeps several important decisions open.

Hansi Flick keeps the mystery until the end

Before the match, Flick made it clear that he still hasn't finalized the starting eleven. The German coach openly admitted to the media that he hasn't decided on either the goalkeeper or the final line-up. His message pointed to caution and managing efforts in a demanding schedule.

Nevertheless, Flick did want to clear up one of the night's most relevant mysteries. The coach confirmed that Joan García will rest against Guadalajara. The news was surprising both because of the timing and the current context of Barça's goalkeeping situation.

Who will be Barça's goalkeeper against Guadalajara?

Joan García's absence automatically opens the door for a new starter in Barça's goal. Szczesny and Ter Stegen are the two options Flick is considering for this match. One of them will be responsible for defending the culé goal tonight.

At first glance, the change might seem like a logical rotation in a Copa del Rey match. However, the decision takes on a different meaning if you analyze Ter Stegen's current situation. The German goalkeeper has been recovered for weeks, but he still hasn't played a single official minute.

It seems that will continue until he decides to leave Barça, since Flick has been very clear all season in stating that Joan García is his number one goalkeeper. The coach hasn't left room for interpretations or internal debates. Precisely for that reason, many media outlets point to the Pole being the chosen one.

If Szczesny is ultimately chosen ahead of Ter Stegen, the message will be hard to ignore. With the World Cup getting closer, he'll need minutes to keep his chances of being drafted, so the most sensible thing would be to look for a move in January. The match against Guadalajara will define the future of Barça's goal.