Barcelona squad named for Athletic Club

Barcelona have confirmed the 22-man travelling party for Saturday night’s La Liga showdown at San Mamés, where Hansi Flick’s side will attempt to keep pace at the top of the table against Athletic Club. Kick-off is set for 21:00 CET.

The German coach has been forced into several changes after a spate of injuries struck the back line. Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde will both miss the next month with hamstring problems, joining Frenkie de Jong (hamstring) and Andreas Christensen (knee) in the treatment room. Despite travelling with the group, Gavi remains unavailable as he awaits final medical clearance after his long-term knee issue.

There was better news in attack. Captain Robert Lewandowski, who sat out the previous match with an eye complaint, has been passed fit and will play wearing a protective mask. Eric Garcia also returns after completing a suspension.

The full squad list reads:

Goalkeepers: Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny, Diego Kochen Defenders: João Cancelo, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Eric Garcia, Álvaro Cortés, Xavi Espart Midfielders: Pedri, Fermín López, Marc Casadó, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, Tommy Marqués Forwards: Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, Roony Bardghji

With Koundé and Balde sidelined, Flick is expected to deploy João Cancelo on the right and one of Gerard Martín or Xavi Espart on the left, while Eric Garcia could partner Araújo in central defence. In midfield, Pedri, Casadó and Olmo appear the most likely starters, with Yamal, Ferran and Rashford offering pace around Lewandowski up front.

The match will be broadcast live at 21:00 CET/WAT, 20:00 GMT, 15:00 ET, 12:00 PT and 01:30 IST (Sunday).