FC Barcelona Announce Squad vs Athletic Club: Key Names, Surprises, and Returnees

A wave of anticipation swept across Camp Nou as FC Barcelona announce squad vs Athletic Club for the much-awaited La Liga showdown. After weeks of injury woes and speculation, manager Hansi Flick has revealed a mix of experienced stars, returning players, and youthful energy in the 20-man squad set to face their Basque rivals. In a fixture carrying major points implications, every selection has fans and pundits buzzing.

FC Barcelona Announce Squad vs Athletic Club: The Official List

Hansi Flick’s call-up for Saturday’s clash sees several returning faces. Here’s the full official squad for Barcelona:

Goalkeepers:

13. Joan Garcia (returns from injury)
1. Wojciech Szczesny
2. Diego Kochen

Defenders:

3. Alejandro Balde
1. Ronald Araujo
2. Pau Cubarsí
3. Andreas Christensen
4. Gerard Martín
5. Jules Koundé
6. Eric Garcia

Midfielders:

16. Fermín López
1. Marc Casadó
2. Dani Olmo
3. Dorian Fernández
4. Roony Bardghji

Forwards:

7. Ferran Torres
1. Robert Lewandowski
2. Lamine Yamal
3. Raphinha (returns from injury)
4. Pau Víctor

Major absentees include Marc-André ter Stegen, Pedri, Gavi, and Marcus Rashford, all sidelined by injury or illness. Frenkie de Jong is suspended following a card in the previous round.

FC Barcelona Announce Squad vs Athletic Club: Notable Inclusions and Exclusions

The return of Joan Garcia and Raphinha injects fresh energy and much-needed experience into the squad. Garcia’s quick recovery from knee surgery marks a major defensive boost, while Raphinha’s comeback from a hamstring issue provides creative spark up front. However, the continued absence of Rashford and Pedri puts pressure on young stars like Lamine Yamal and Fermin López to deliver.

FC Barcelona Announce Squad vs Athletic Club: Probable Starting Lineup

With rotations and injuries in play, here’s the likely starting XI (4-3-3):

Joan Garcia (GK)
Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Alejandro Balde (DEF)
Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, Fermin López (MID)
Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal (FOR)

Bench depth will feature Szczesny, Christensen, Casadó, Raphinha, and promising youngsters—each hoping to make an impact in the closing stages.

FC Barcelona Announce Squad vs Athletic Club: Match Context and Stakes

The return to Camp Nou after renovations adds to the stakes, with Barça needing a win to stay in contention for the La Liga title. Athletic Club, vibrant and motivated, brings Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams among its 23-man squad, but misses Iñaki Williams and striker Maroan Sannadi due to injuries. The fixture is set for 4:15 PM local time with global broadcast and live commentary options for fans worldwide.