Barcelona coach Hansi Flick says Rodri will return to the starting line-up for Sunday’s Clasico against Real Madrid after being rested from the start of Tuesday’s Champions League defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.

Rodri was introduced after an hour in the 4-2 loss in Paris, with Flick explaining that the midfielder had been left out because of his recent workload for club and country.

“Yes, but you know Rodri played a lot of minutes with the national team and also the last games with us,” Flick told reporters after the match.

“I spoke with him this morning and I told him that we made this decision, and Marc Bernal started instead. For me, it was a good solution what we did and hopefully he is fresh on Sunday.”

The decision was also shaped by the importance of the meeting with Real Madrid, in which Barcelona can move nine points clear of their rivals at the top of LaLiga.

Flick said the Clasico had influenced his team selection “a lot”, although Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the season ended in Paris after a late defeat against the defending European champions.

The visitors twice recovered from going behind. Desire Doue gave PSG the lead before Xavi Espart brought Barcelona level, and Lucas Hernandez restored the hosts’ advantage.

Lamine Yamal equalised again in the 79th minute, but Vitinha put PSG back in front two minutes later. Fabian Ruiz then completed the scoring to secure victory for the home side.

Despite the result, Flick said the match had provided valuable lessons for his team, while acknowledging that too many errors in possession had contributed to the defeat.

“I think it was a fantastic game from both teams but we made too many mistakes, especially in possession,” he said.

“But I also saw a lot of good things. For me it was a great test for us and you also saw today what errors we have to improve to make things better.”

Barcelona had maintained a perfect record before the trip to Paris, but Flick insisted the result should be used as an opportunity to improve rather than define the team’s season.

“We have to learn from this game. Today, in October, you cannot win titles. You win the Champions League in June.”