 |
| Hansi Flick y Lamine Yamal in the Squad for a game Against Real Sociedad |
Flick regains key attacking option
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has revealed his 22 man squad list for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Real Sociedad, bringing both welcome returns and inevitable absences. Among the most notable positives is the return of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has been cleared to play after a three-week layoff due to a thigh injury. His comeback provides a timely boost for a Barça side currently navigating multiple injuries in key positions.
On the other hand, Alejandro Balde remains sidelined as the technical staff have chosen to reserve him for the crucial Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain. The left-back is still recovering from a hamstring issue, and Flick has prioritized his availability for Europe’s biggest stage.
Injury concerns and long-term absentees
The squad continues to suffer the absence of several important players. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia and winger Raphinha remain unavailable, while Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi, and Fermín López are also on the sidelines. These long-term injuries have forced Flick to rotate heavily and call up reinforcements from the academy and beyond.
New faces and squad depth
Interestingly, the squad list also features Diego Kochen, who arrived in Barcelona just hours ago after training with the United States U20 national team in preparation for the upcoming World Cup. The young goalkeeper slots in as backup to Wojciech Szczęsny, ensuring depth in case of an emergency.
Midfielder Marc Casadó is also included despite leaving Friday’s training session with discomfort. While his fitness is not guaranteed, medical staff have cleared him to travel, leaving Flick with the option of fielding the young talent if needed.
Full squad list for the Sociedad match
Goalkeepers: Szczęsny, Diego Kochen, Eder Aller
Defenders: Koundé, Eric Garcia, Cubarsí, Araújo, Christensen, Gerard Martín, Jofre Torrents
Midfielders: Pedri, Bernal, De Jong, Dani Olmo, Casadó, Drew
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Rashford, Ferran, Rooney, Toni Fernández
Tactical outlook
With Yamal’s return, Barcelona regain a direct threat down the right wing, offering pace, creativity, and unpredictability in the final third. Flick will likely rely on Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford for goal-scoring duties, supported by Pedri and Dani Olmo in midfield. Real Sociedad’s compact style could pose challenges, but Barça’s squad depth, even with several absentees, remains competitive.
Hansi Flick’s men enter the Sociedad clash with mixed emotions — relief at welcoming Lamine back into the fold, but also cautious patience regarding Balde’s recovery ahead of PSG. Between injuries, youth promotions, and strategic squad management, this weekend’s match will be another test of Barcelona’s resilience in a demanding season.