Barcelona possible starting lineup against Athletic Club in LaLiga

Joan García is set to be one of the standout figures this Saturday. 

He returns in goal after almost two months out with a tear in the medial meniscus of his left knee, an injury that required surgery. His comeback also coincides with a significant moment for the club: the long-awaited return to Camp Nou after more than two years playing at Montjuïc.

García’s reappearance will be one of the day’s main talking points, as will Raphinha’s. The Brazilian has also spent two months sidelined, his situation made more complicated by a setback during his recovery. Flick hopes to give him 15 to 20 minutes to help build his match fitness ahead of Tuesday’s game against Chelsea in London.

The midfield will be especially interesting to follow. The German coach cannot call on the injured Pedri or the suspended Frenkie de Jong. However, Marc Casadó is back after missing the last match due to discomfort in his adductor during the warm-up. In addition, internationals Fermín López and Dani Olmo are available and arrive in excellent form.

In defence, Flick could again line up with the masked Eric García at right back, Ronald Araújo and Pau Cubarsí in central defence, and Alejandro Balde on the left.

Further forward, the coach is keeping a close eye on Marcus Rashford’s condition. If he is ultimately unavailable – the club’s explanation of a sudden fever was not particularly convincing – Ferran Torres is likely to start on the left, with Robert Lewandowski leading the line fresh from scoring a hat-trick in his last appearance for Barça.

Lamine Yamal is also expected to feature, now largely recovered from his pubalgia after undergoing radiofrequency treatment during the international break.