Barcelona squad named for Villarreal

Barcelona, 12 October 2025 — Hansi Flick has finalised his 21-man selection for Saturday’s La Liga showdown against Villarreal at Camp Nou, a fixture the Blaugrana view as pivotal in their domestic campaign.

The German coach will be without midfield anchor Frenkie de Jong, who suffered a hamstring strain in training and is expected to miss five to six weeks. Full-back Gerard Martín is also absent, serving a one-match suspension, while Gavi continues to work his way back from a long-term knee issue and awaits medical clearance. Andreas Christensen remains in the treatment room with an extended knee complaint.

In De Jong’s absence, the midfield will be marshalled by Pedri and teenage prodigy Marc Bernal, with Dani Olmo, Fermín López and Marc Casadó providing further creative options. Academy graduate Tommy Marqués, wearing 43, rounds out the engine room.

Between the posts, Wojciech Szczesny is poised to continue as first choice, backed up by Joan Garcia and 17-year-old Eder Aller. The defensive corps is bolstered by the return of Ronald Araújo, who lines up alongside Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsí, Eric Garcia and the ever-dangerous wing-backs João Cancelo and Alejandro Balde.

In attack, Robert Lewandowski leads a star-studded forward line that includes Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, deadline-day arrival Marcus Rashford and young Swedish winger Roony Bardghji.

Kick-off is scheduled for 4.15 pm CET at Camp Nou, where Barça will look to consolidate early-season momentum against a Villarreal side that has historically posed a stern test.