Barcelona names squad for Valencia clash as injuries affect opponents
Barcelona prepares for La Liga encounter
FC Barcelona is set to visit Mestalla to face Valencia in the fourth round of La Liga 2026/27. This match, scheduled for Sunday at 4:15 PM CEST, marks Barcelona’s second away game of the domestic campaign. The team previously played two consecutive home fixtures against Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano. Coach Hansi Flick‘s squad will travel to Valencia on Saturday afternoon in preparation for the game.
This upcoming fixture could be Barcelona’s final visit to Mestalla, as Valencia is reportedly planning to move to a new stadium next season. Barcelona has started the season strongly, securing victories in their first three matches. A win could potentially place them as outright league leaders, especially after Real Madrid‘s 1-0 loss to Betis.
Barcelona aims to secure a fourth consecutive win in La Liga as they face their historic rivals. The team is also preparing for their European debut against Feyenoord on Wednesday, which could influence Flick’s selection choices for the Valencia match.
Squad selection and potential lineup
Hansi Flick has named a 24-player squad for the match against Valencia. The full list includes Joan Garcia, Cancelo, Balde, Fariñas, Cubarsi, Gavi, Fermín, Pedri, G. Jesus, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Xavi Espart, Szczesny, Adeyemi, Christensen, Rodrigo, Gordon, Gerard Martin, Olmo, Bernal, Kounde, Eric, Livakovic, and Abdelkarim.
Despite the upcoming European fixture, a strong lineup is anticipated as securing an early three-point lead at the top of the league is considered crucial. Potential changes in the defense could see Eric Garcia returning at right-back, replacing Jules Kounde, and Gerard Martín stepping in for Andreas Christensen as Pau Cubarsí‘s center-back partner. Xavi Espart is expected to retain his position at left-back due to his strong start to the season, though Flick might consider starting João Cancelo for rhythm.
In midfield, new signing Rodri is expected to make his first start after playing over 60 minutes across his initial two appearances. Fermín López is also projected to return to the lineup ahead of Dani Olmo. Pedri is anticipated to complete the midfield, although there is a possibility Flick might rest him with the Champions League opener in mind, potentially playing Marc Bernal in a more advanced midfield role.
The attacking trio is likely to feature Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Anthony Gordon. Flick may opt to start all three to try and establish an early lead, allowing for potential substitutions later in the game. New signing Gabriel Jesus is part of the squad and could see minutes in the second half, but he is not yet considered ready to start.
A possible starting XI for Barcelona could be: Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Espart; Fermín, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Gordon, playing in a 4-3-3 formation.
Valencia’s injury concerns ahead of clash
Valencia enters the match against Barcelona facing significant challenges, having accumulated only a single point from three rounds in the Spanish league. Their season began with losses to Deportivo La Coruna and Real Betis, and a draw with Celta Vigo. Barcelona’s strong start to the season could exacerbate Valencia’s difficult period.
Reports indicate that Valencia will host the champions of the last two seasons with a substantial injury list. Six players are confirmed to be out, and three more face doubts regarding their participation. Coach Carlos Corberan will be without several key players due to various injuries.
Confirmed absentees include Copete, who has a meniscus injury; Umar Sadiq, suffering from a hamstring tear; Sergi Canos, with an anterior cruciate ligament tear; Justin de Haas, who has a sprain in his right ankle; Yldiz Rodriguez, injured in the quadriceps muscle; and Diego Lopez, who is out for an extended period due to another anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Additionally, three players are doubtful for the match, potentially forcing further changes to Valencia’s usual starting lineup. These players are Foulquier, whose return is uncertain after a period out; Luis Rioja, experiencing pain in the quadriceps muscle; and Cenk Ozkacar, who has ankle pain. All three may miss out on the squad for the upcoming match against Barcelona.
Source: fcbarcelona.com
