Barcelona welcomes back key players Raphinha and Joan García as the team prepares to return to Camp Nou after more than two years. Both athletes have recovered from nearly two months of leg injuries, providing a significant boost to the squad ahead of their home game against Athletic Club on Saturday.
Coach Hansi Flick confirmed Joan García will start in goal, while Raphinha will be eased in from the bench. “The good news is Raphinha is back,” Flick said. “We will see if 10, 15, 20 minutes, but he’s back and it’s a big step for him.”
This match marks the reopening of Camp Nou, which has undergone extensive renovations since May. The stadium will open with reduced capacity at 45,401 seats, about half of its original size. When fully completed, Camp Nou will hold up to 105,000 fans.
Flick expressed enthusiasm about returning to the iconic stadium. “It was an unbelievable feeling to go up the stairs and reach the pitch. All the fans are around, and this is what we like,” he stated.
Barcelona faces several challenges as key midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are unavailable. De Jong is suspended, and Pedri is recovering from a muscle tear. Flick emphasized that Pedri will not be rushed back and is expected to return for the Champions League fixture against Chelsea.
Marcus Rashford remains doubtful for the game due to illness. Flick reported Rashford had a fever and missed training sessions, leaving his availability uncertain for the weekend.
Young prospect Lamine Yamal is fit and ready to feature after returning from a groin procedure. Flick defended Barcelona’s careful management of Yamal’s injury amid criticism from the national federation, praising the player’s dedication and discipline during recovery.
Barcelona currently trails LaLiga leader Real Madrid by three points as they enter Week 13. The return of Raphinha and García, combined with the reopening of Camp Nou, injects fresh optimism into the squad’s campaign.
The team’s focus now shifts to leveraging this energy and home advantage to close the gap and maintain their title ambitions in a tight league race.