Barcelona’s preparations for their La Liga opener against Real Mallorca have been anything but smooth this summer.
With player registrations dragging into the final hours before kick-off, questions hung over whether the club could clear space under the salary cap to make their new arrivals eligible.
Supporters had been anxiously refreshing La Liga’s official website for confirmation, knowing that opening-day momentum often sets the tone for the campaign.
The uncertainty also fuelled speculation about the futures of existing squad members, many of whom have been linked with loan moves or permanent exits.
Against this backdrop of administrative tension, Barcelona have delivered some welcome clarity.
Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford have both been registered in time for Barcelona’s opening La Liga game of the season against Real Mallorca today.
The two players are in the Barcelona squad to fly out to Mallorca and are both on La Liga’s website as well.
Interestingly, Joan Garcia seems to have been registered with the No. 13 shirt, while Inaki Pena has been given the No. 1 for the time being, as per the La Liga website.
The two stoppers are in the matchday squad along with Diego Kochen, while Wojciech Szczęsny misses out because his new contract has not been registered.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have given Pena the No. 1 shirt as he is still expected to leave before the transfer window closes and without playing a game.
Pena is expected to extend his contract with the club shortly and then seal a loan move to Como.
If that does happen, then the No. 1 shirt will go back to Marc-Andre ter Stegen to wear when the Germany international returns to fitness after back surgery.
For Rashford, who joins on loan from Manchester United, the registration provides an immediate chance to impress on Spanish soil and offer Hansi Flick another option in attack.
Meanwhile, Garcia’s inclusion is crucial as Barcelona navigate the absence of Ter Stegen and uncertainty around Pena’s future.
With both players available to face Mallorca, the Catalan club can head into their opener with fresh reinforcements and a squad that finally looks settled, at least for now.
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