FC Barcelona officially announces 21-player squad list to face Real Sociedad in a high-stakes La Liga title showdown.
The Catalan leaders, fresh from Copa del Rey progression and Super Cup glory, face a stern test against a Basque side hungry for points under new management.
With injuries and rotation in play, Flick balances depth and firepower for this pivotal La Liga encounter.
Key inclusion is João Cancelo, the Portuguese full-back making his second Barcelona stint after a January loan return from Al-Hilal, bolstering the backline alongside Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé, and Eric García. Frenkie de Jong returns from suspension to partner Pedri in midfield, with Dani Olmo, Fermín López, Marc Casadó, and Marc Bernal providing options, as per the official squad list.
Up front, Robert Lewandowski leads Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Marcus Rashford, and Roony Bardghji, but Raphinha drops out through injury.
Goalkeepers Joan García and Wojciech Szczęsny back Marc-André ter Stegen, though his Girona loan looms.
Absences pile pressure: Raphinha’s knocks follow heavy recent minutes, joining Gavi (knee) and Andreas Christensen (knee) on the sidelines.
Ronald Araujo and Gerard Martín complete the defensive pool, while youth call-ups like Tommy Marqués signal Flick’s trust in squad versatility.
Flick confirmed Raphinha’s unavailability post-training, where the Brazilian managed gym work only after discomfort.
De Jong’s availability restores midfield steel, crucial against Real Sociedad’s pressing game led by Takefusa Kubo and Brais Méndez.
Predicted XI features García in goal, a solid back four, De Jong-Pedri pivot, Olmo-Fermín creative spark, and Lewandowski spearheading Yamal and Rashford.
Barcelona aims to stretch its lead to four points over Madrid, which edged Levante.
Anoeta’s atmosphere awaits, but Flick’s near-full squad—minus the injured trio—offers firepower to conquer.
Cancelo’s dynamism could debut from the bench, injecting pace against Imanol Alguacil’s resilient setup. Victory keeps the unbeaten run alive, cementing Barcelona’s title credentials.
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