Hansi Flick has received a timely double boost as Barcelona names their 23-man squad for the fixture against Elche at Montjuïc.
With the Catalans trailing Real Madrid by seven points, the German manager has blended returning experience with emerging youth to mount a statement performance against the relegation-threatened visitors.
Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo headline the comeback, both cleared by medical staff after three-game absences that spanned Girona, Olympiacos, and the Bernabéu Clásico, as per the official squad list of Barcelona.
The Polish striker and Spanish playmaker trained fully with the group and are expected to provide immediate attacking thrust from the bench, even if 90-minute outings remain off the table.
Their return injects proven quality into a forward line that has leaned heavily on Lamine Yamal—himself included despite ongoing physical management.
Youth remains central to Flick’s project. Academy goalkeepers Diego Kochen and Eder Aller travel alongside midfield prospects Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernández and the versatile Xavi Espart, all primed for potential minutes.
Yet the injury cloud persists: Pedri’s muscular issue sustained in Madrid rules him out until after the international break, stripping the engine room of its creative heartbeat.
The squad’s composition reflects necessity and opportunity.
Ronald Araujo, Eric García, and Marc Casadó are among those poised to start, while Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford retain attacking berths.
Joan García nears a first-team return but misses this cut, leaving ‘Tek’ between the posts.
Barcelona’s full squad: Tek, Kochen, Aller; Koundé, Araujo, Eric, Balde, Mbacke; De Jong, Casadó, Fermín, Dro, Espart; Lamine, Ferran, Rashford, Toni Fernández; Lewandowski, Olmo.
Flick’s men know three points are non-negotiable.
With the superstar duo back in the fold and La Masia talents ready to shine, the Blaugrana aim to reclaim momentum and send a message to the league summit.
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