FC Barcelona has officially announced the 24-man squad ahead of the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Athletic Bilbao.
The traveling party departs Monday post-training at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, primed for the Wednesday semifinal versus Athletic before the Sunday final.
Boosts and absences shape depth for Jeddah mission, fueling title defense amid packed calendar.
Headlining returns: Ronald Araujo travels first time since November 25, Chelsea red card, post-mental health break for anxiety—training resumed, derby support followed, now Super Cup inclusion signals progress, as per the official squad list of Barcelona.
No playing guarantee versus Athletic, but presence marks recovery milestone under patient club handling.
Notable omissions: Gavi stays sidelined, prioritizing rehab post-second surgery—progress solid, but competitive return premature despite morale-boost suggestions.
Andreas Christensen skips long-haul trip amid walking discomfort, safeguarding ACL recovery.
Youth infusion shines: reserve regulars Jofre Torrents (full outing versus Ibiza Sunday), Tommy Marqués, Dro Fernández join, recent first-team cameos extending. Full squad packs quality.
Goalkeepers: Joan García, Marc-André ter Stegen, Wojciech Szczęsny.
Defenders: Ronald Araujo, Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Jules Koundé, Eric García, Jofre Torrents.
Midfielders: Pedri, Fermín López, Marc Casadó, Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Tommy Marqués, Dro Fernández.
Forwards: Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, Roony Bardghji.
Araujo’s aerial dominance bolsters defense sans Christensen; midfield engine—Pedri, De Jong, Olmo—drives press.
Attack dazzles: Lewandowski-Yamal-Raphinha axis, Rashford-Torres rotation, Bardghji spark.
Flick eyes repeat glory post-2025 triumph, squad depth countering fixture fatigue. Athletic semifinal tests mettle—Williams threat demands vigilance.
Araujo’s mindset evolution, youth hunger propel Barça toward trophy lift, silencing doubters in eight-win streak.
Araujo’s return ignites Super Cup fire—Flick’s blended arsenal primed for Saudi conquest, chasing glory one youth-infused step at a time.
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