Jules Kounde and Joao Cancelo will return to the Barcelona starting lineup when they host Feyenoord in their UEFA Champions League opener at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
Barcelona will aim to continue the perfect start to the 2026/27 season when they welcome Feyenoord to Camp Nou on Wednesday night. Hansi Flick has a new issue to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Eric Garcia sustained a head injury against Valencia this past weekend. The Spanish international is thus a doubt for the game versus Feyenoord, with Gavi’s availability also unclear. Additionally, Roony Bardghji (ACL), Jesse Bisiwu (thigh), and Frenkie de Jong (knee) remain in the treatment room.
Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick discussed Lamine Yamal’s impact on his team. The German tactician said, “He can decide games by himself. He loves getting better and you can see that every day. What he shows is that he loves playing football. If he does that then he is at his best.”
The Barcelona manager also provided fitness updates on Bisiwu and de Jong during the press conference. He said, “He [Bisiwu] won’t be in the squad tomorrow, but he’s fine. He will train with us and play for Barça B. He has a lot of potential in attack and defence. He has a chance of playing for us in the future.”
“He [de Jong] is a very talented player. After his injury, he needs to come back and train hard, which is what he’s doing. We will see him in a few weeks, and we’ll see what happens after the international break – it’s important to take it one day at a time.”
Joan Garcia is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Feyenoord on Wednesday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen, and Joao Cancelo.
As for the midfield unit, Rodri will line up alongside Pedri in the double pivot, with Fermin Lopez reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Raphinha will lead the line for the home side, with Anthony Gordon and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Christensen, Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Lopez, Gordon; Raphinha
