FC Barcelona officially announce 23-man squad list for Copa del Rey round of 32 clash against CD Guadalajara.
Hansi Flick uses this Round of 32 tie to blend experience with youth, resting heavy-usage starters but still naming a strong travelling party capable of avoiding any upset against the third-tier hosts.
With injuries and rotation shaping his thinking, the German coach leans on fringe players and La Masia prospects to keep intensity high without overloading his core XI.
The standout news is the inclusion of Robert Lewandowski in the squad, ending doubts after he skipped Monday’s training session due to discomfort and was initially expected to miss the opener.
As per the official Barcelona squad list, Joan Garcia also travels despite Flick confirming the young keeper will be rested, opening the door for Marc-André ter Stegen or Wojciech Szczesny to start between the posts as part of the rotation plan.
Their presence underlines Flick’s desire to maintain leadership and competition even in a game where several stars could be benched.
There is also a strong youth flavour to the list. Jofre Torrents, Dro Fernández, Tommy Marques and Roony Bardghji are all called up and could feature from the start, especially with Lamine Yamal, Pedri and other regulars likely to be protected.
Marc Bernal and Marc Casado, barely used in recent weeks, are similarly in contention to start in midfield as Flick rewards training performances and spreads minutes in a low-risk setting.
On the flip side, Dani Olmo, Gavi and Ronald Araujo remain unavailable and stay out of the travelling party, continuing their respective recovery processes.
Even so, Barcelona arrive in Guadalajara as clear favourites, with enough senior quality and hungry youngsters in the squad list to push for a comfortable win and safe passage into the Round of 16.
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