Barcelona's starting goalkeeper for El Clasico confirmed as Hansi Flick makes bold choice for title showdown

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will start between the sticks in Sunday afternoon's La Liga title showdown with Real Madrid.

The Catalan outfit's number one goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is now back in the fold after a lengthy absence with a knee injury, with the Germany international starting against Real Valladolid in La Liga last weekend.

Szczesny was back in goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night, but there had been suggestions that Ter Stegen would return for El Clasico.

When asked whether Szczesny would be between the sticks against Real Madrid, Flick simply replied: "Yes".

The 35-year-old has been in impressive form for Barcelona since his arrival on a free transfer last October, featuring on 28 occasions for the Catalan side, keeping 13 clean sheets in the process.

© Imago

Szczesny confirmed as starter for El Clasico

Szczesny's contract with Barcelona is due to expire at the end of June, but there have been suggestions that he is close to agreeing an extension due to his excellent form.

The experienced goalkeeper would likely be back-up to Ter Stegen next season if he does remain with the Catalan giants.

"It's Deco's job, I'm not in charge of contracts. He has a great personality, positive, he keeps calm, sometimes he smokes a bit, but he is like that. He's at the right age and he's very relaxed," Flick said when asked whether the goalkeeper would stay.

"I think he would like to stay in Barcelona."

© Imago

Torres, Martin in line to start against Real Madrid

Alejandro Balde is set to return to the squad on Sunday after overcoming a hamstring issue, while Robert Lewandowski made his injury return off the bench against Inter in the Champions League.

However, Flick has said that the pair are set to be among the substitutes for the first whistle, with Ferran Torres and Gerard Martin therefore likely to keep hold of their starting roles.

"I don't think so from the start. Gerard and the rest of the players are doing very well, we have to be very careful. I think in the second half they can get minutes," said Flick when asked about Balde and Lewandowski.

Barcelona are currently four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, so a victory would leave them seven points ahead of their rivals at the summit with three games left.