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Lewandowski has missed the past two matches with hamstring discomfort. Pedri, who has also has a hamstring problem, was absent for the midweek win over Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey Round of 32.

"Pedri is not available for tomorrow’s match. I’m not happy about it, but it’s part of football. Hopefully, he’ll be able to be with us again in the next game," Flick said.

"[Lewandowski] is an option for tomorrow. He can play. We didn’t want to take any risks and now he’s available."

The trip to third-placed Villarreal is Barca's last match before the Christmas break and Flick said he was looking to end the calendar year with a seven-match winning streak.

"It's been an impressive year, full of success," the German, who guided Barcelona to victory in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup this year, said.

"I’m very happy to have experienced all of this in Barcelona. But that’s part of the past; now we have to keep working, because we have big objectives for this season."

Barca also impressed in last season's UEFA Champions League before losing a thrilling semi-final tie 7-6 on aggregate to eventual runner-up Inter Milan.

This season, Flick's side is well on course to retain its domestic title, boasting a four-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga going into matchday 18.

Barca has won its past seven LaLiga games by a margin of at least two goals, its best such run since 2017 when it had an eight-game run, five under Luis Enrique and three under Ernesto Valverde.

Its strong form has led to suggestions Flick could be rewarded with an extension to his current deal, which is due to expire at the end of 2026-2027.

Asked if he wanted to extend his reign, Flick said: "A year for a coach of Barcelona is a long time.

"We feel the club's confidence and it is good to notice it. For me, it's great to be here for another year, but it also depends on the president.

"I can say that I love working at this club and that it was an incredible year of many successes. The titles were great, but you have to keep going. That is what we have to do."

The Villarreal game was initially slated to be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, before heavy criticism thwarted LaLiga's plans to host a first league game in the United States.

Asked if he was relieved to be playing on Spanish soil, Flick said: "I haven't thought about that. I'm happy to play in Villarreal. That was the decision of LaLiga and I accept it."

Villarreal sits third on the table after a strong start under Marcelino, but he acknowledged a title charge is probably beyond his team.

"It is difficult to challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid," Marcelino said.

"Hopefully, we can stay there as long as possible. That's our intention. We're now approaching Christmas, almost halfway through the season, and I'm proud of the team."