With the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Borussia Dortmund looming, Barcelona is meticulously preparing at the Ciutat Esportiva. Following a recent draw against Real Betis in La Liga, a victory against Dortmund is paramount to securing an advantage before the second leg in Germany. However, a significant change is brewing within the Barcelona camp. According to Josep Soldado, manager Hansi Flick conducted a training session testing a potential starting lineup that notably excluded Gavi. In his stead, the young Fermin Lopez was deployed as the attacking midfielder. The experimental XI showcased Wojciech Szczesny in goal, a back four of Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Balde. The midfield comprised Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Fermin, with Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha leading the attack. Gavi's absence is noteworthy, considering his recent performance and goal against Real Betis. However, Flick’s decision stems from a cautious approach to managing the 20-year-old's workload following a lengthy injury absence and discomfort experienced last week. This caution led to Gavi not featuring at all in the match against Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, Fermin, a starter in the games against Girona and Atletico, appears to be the frontrunner to replace Gavi against Dortmund. While this training session provides significant clues, the final starting XI remains uncertain, and only time will reveal Flick's final decision. This tactical shift underscores the high stakes of the Dortmund match and highlights Flick's determination to field the most effective team possible. The omission of Gavi, a fan favorite, has generated considerable buzz among supporters, adding another layer of intrigue to this pivotal Champions League encounter. The match promises a fascinating tactical battle, with Barcelona’s fluid attack set to collide with Dortmund's lightning-quick counter-attacking style. The outcome will significantly impact Barcelona's hopes of advancing to the semi-finals and ultimately achieving their ambitious goal of securing major honors across multiple competitions.