Key Takeaways:
- On Saturday afternoon, Barcelona will host Athletic Club at Camp Nou with 45,400 supporters permitted inside the ground
- Marcus Rashford is doubtful due to a fever, while Raphinha is set for his first minutes since September
- Joan Garcia is confirmed to return to the starting XI, but both Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are unavailable
Squad Updates Ahead of Athletic Club Clash
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has provided extensive injury and squad news in advance of the Catalan side’s fixture against Athletic Club on Saturday afternoon. The match marks Barcelona’s first return to Camp Nou, with 45,400 fans approved to attend.
With several key players still recovering from injury, Flick addressed the unexpected absence of Marcus Rashford in recent days. He revealed during his press conference that the Manchester United loanee has been sidelined by a fever and is in doubt for the match. Meanwhile, Flick stated that Raphinha could feature for the first time since September, noting, “Marcus has a fever and was out yesterday and today, and I have doubts about whether he’ll be available tomorrow, but the good news is that Raphinha will be back, and we’ll see what he can give us tomorrow. Ten, fifteen minutes… we’ll see, but it’s a big step that he’s back.”
❝ Raphinha will be available against Athletic. Maybe ten or fifteen minutes… we’ll see, but it’s a big step that he’s back. ❞
📣 Hansi Flick pic.twitter.com/pJ5REKbjeN
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 21, 2025
Lamine Yamal’s Injury and Flick’s Support
The handling of Lamine Yamal’s injury during the international break has been a headline topic. After sustaining a sports hernia following the match against Celta Vigo, Yamal was unavailable for Spain’s fixtures. Flick outlined the teenager’s recent efforts and defended the decision for him to sit out international duties: “He’s worked really hard these past two weeks, that’s all I can say. I can’t say he’s finished, he’s going up and down and he’s handling it well and working with the staff.” Flick also observed, “Lamine is our player and we care about him just as much as the federation does. It’s a good decision that he didn’t play the two matches because it’s been a big step for him to be able to manage that injury well.”
The Barcelona manager declined to be drawn into ongoing disputes with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, stating, “Now we are focused on the club, there are nine games ahead that we want to win and we are focused on that, it is our job and we will not think about other things and other noise, tomorrow we play and I am happy.”
Pedri and Frenkie de Jong Ruled Out
Looking ahead to next week, Flick clarified the situation regarding Pedri. Despite optimistic reports about the midfielder’s training progress, Pedri continued individual sessions on Friday. Barcelona are due to meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. Flick commented, “I don’t know if he’ll be ready for Tuesday. We’re taking it one step at a time. We’re not going to put any pressure on him, but we’re happy with his progress. Obviously, he’ll be back soon, but I don’t know if it will be against Chelsea or in the next match.”
Frenkie de Jong is also absent due to suspension. Flick suggested that Marc Casado is likely to fill the void, stating, “We know how we want to replace de Jong, we’ll see tomorrow. Frenkie, like Pedri, are two great players who give us a lot of confidence on the ball, but we have to manage this absence and I think we’ll do well.”
Confirmed Starter: Joan Garcia
Amidst the list of injuries and doubts, Flick announced a key return to the line-up. Joan Garcia is set to resume his place at Camp Nou, with Flick confirming, “What do you think? Yes, of course. You’re right,” when asked if the player would feature from the start.
| Player | Status for Athletic Club Match | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marcus Rashford | Doubtful | Fever, missed last two days’ training |
| Raphinha | Available | Potential first minutes since September |
| Lamine Yamal | Recovering | Missed Spain duty due to sports hernia |
| Pedri | Unavailable | Still in individual training, future return date uncertain |
| Frenkie de Jong | Unavailable | Suspended |
| Joan Garcia | Starting | Confirmed to start at Camp Nou |
Outlook for the Camp Nou Return
Hansi Flick affirmed the motivation within the squad to make their homecoming memorable, describing Athletic Club as “a great rival, a Champions League team and of great quality.” The Catalan side will look to capitalise on returning talents and home support as they prepare to face Athletic Club on Saturday afternoon.
