FC Barcelona is set to take on Deportivo Alavés in their upcoming La Liga match at the Spotify Camp Nou, marking the second consecutive home game for the Blaugrana. Coach Hansi Flick has announced a squad of 22 players in preparation for the clash on Saturday.
The team will feature a goalkeeping lineup that includes Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny, and Eder Aller. On the defensive front, Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsí, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martín, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, and Jofre Torrents will look to bolster the back line.
In midfield, the squad welcomes back Pedri after his recovery from a month-long hamstring injury, a boost for the team. Joining him in the midfield are Marc Casadó, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, and Dro Fernández, along with newcomer Tommy Marqués, who has been training with the first team and received his first call-up due to the club’s current injury woes.
The forward lineup will include Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, and Roony Bardghji.
However, the matchday squad has not come without its challenges. Frenkie de Jong is unavailable due to personal reasons, while Fermín López is sidelined for a couple of weeks with a calf injury. Additionally, Ronald Araujo is out due to a stomach virus, joining Marc-André ter Stegen and Gavi on the list of absentees.
The predicted starting XI for the match, set to kick off at 4:15 PM CET, is expected to utilize a 4-2-3-1 formation, comprising Joan in goal; a defense of Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, and Balde; a midfield pairing of Casadó and Bernal; and an attacking three of Yamal, Olmo, and Raphinha supporting striker Lewandowski.
With the match just around the corner, fans can tune in to catch all the action and rally behind their team. The returning Pedri offers a glimmer of hope, and the resilience of the remaining squad will be vital in overcoming the injuries faced. VISCA EL BARÇA!