Barcelona announce squad for Elche match; Rodri and Balde absent

According to Diario Sport, Barcelona has announced its squad for the match against Elche, with Rodri and Balde absent.

Barcelona has traveled to Elche, and head coach Flick has announced a 23-man squad. As the German coach stated at the press conference, Rodri is absent due to his physical condition not yet meeting match requirements. More notably, Balde was also left out, with his future increasingly uncertain at Barcelona.

Rodri will return for next Thursday's match against Athletic Bilbao. That game was originally scheduled for the opening round of the season but was postponed to allow rest for players from both teams who participated in the World Cup.

The only player absent from this squad due to injury is Frenkie de Jong, whose knee discomfort has not yet fully healed—an injury that previously sparked considerable debate. The player has opted for conservative treatment while undergoing rehabilitation.

Macado and Hector Forte are two players who have left the first team. Neither is currently training with the squad and both are awaiting resolution of their futures. They are not part of Flick's plans for this season.

Among the young players from Barcelona Atletic, Belgian player Jese Bisseuma is absent because his registration procedures have not been finalized. He is now under arrangements coordinated by Giuliano Belletti. Barcelona Atletic will play this Sunday in Vilanova, with kickoff at 1 a.m. Beijing time (the following day in CEST).

Reserve team players included in the squad are Cortés, Espart, Hamza, Peque, and third goalkeeper Ídler Ariel. These players earned Flick's approval during preseason, and some may even start, with Espart and Hamza among the candidates.

Flick has not encountered registration issues this season. Except for Bisseuma mentioned above, all new signings have been included in the squad, including Christensen, whose contract renewal has been completed.

Squad List

Goalkeepers: Joan García, Szczęsny, Ídler Ariel

Defenders: Cancelo, Eric, Cubarsí, Christensen, Koundé, Gerard Martín, Espart, Cortés, Peque

Midfielders: Gavira, Pedri, Fermín, Olmo, Bernal, Casado

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Gundogan, Adeyemi, Hamza

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com