Barça Debuts in La Liga Against Mallorca with 23-Man Squad and Key Injury Updates
After more than a month of preparation, FC Barcelona will make its La Liga bow this afternoon, facing Mallorca at Son Moix (kick-off 19:30 local time, Movistar LaLiga). The squad arrives in Palma with a first official competitive lineup under coach Hansi Flick, as the club again navigates a summer marked by registration hurdles for new signings.
As of this morning, Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford had not yet been registered, but both will be eligible to take part on the pitch. Rashford’s registration was delayed because LaLiga needed to green-light the international transfer, a clearance confirmed shortly after 10:30 a.m. Flick also announced he would travel with 23 players to Palma.
The coach’s official call-up includes:
– Goalkeepers: Joan Garcia, Iñaki Peña, Kochen
– Defenders: Koundé, Eric Garcia, Araujo, Christensen, Cubarsí, Balde, Jofre Torrents
– Midfielders: Gavi, De Jong, Pedri, Olmo, Fermín, Casadó, Guille Fernández
– Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford, Ferran, Dro, Toni Fernández
Several names drop off the initial list: Szczesny, Gerard Martín, and Roony Bardhji could not be registered in time. In addition, injured players Marc Ter Stegen, Bernat, and Lewandowski are sidelined. Lewandowski did not train all week due to a muscle overload, which also kept him from playing in the Gamper trophy match, so the club is not taking any risks with him. Héctor Fort is another notable absence, with reports suggesting his days at Can Barça could be numbered.
The group will be joined by a contingent of academy talents who trained with the first team through the pre-season: Jofre, Guille, Toni, and Dro will all travel with the squad.
What to watch
– Opening impact: How Flick lines up against Mallorca, with a 23-man squad and a mix of seasoned internationals and exciting youngsters.
– Marcus Rashford’s integration: The late registration means he will have had limited preparation with the team, but his arrival adds pace and goal threat.
– Lewandowski’s management: With a muscular overload keeping him out of action, Barça faces a test of depth up front.
– Youth opportunities: The presence of academy players on the trip could signal opportunities for rotation as the season progresses.
Summary
Barça begins the season with a high-stakes away game against Mallorca, navigating ongoing registration challenges while assessing how new and returning players fit under Flick. The mix of established stars and rising cantera talents provides both immediate firepower and long-term potential as the campaign unfolds.
Overall, the mood is cautiously optimistic: the club has managed to assemble a competitive squad for the opener, with exciting young prospects alongside experienced internationals. The key will be maintaining balance between ambition and the need to protect players dealing with injury concerns.