FC Barcelona completed their final training session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Friday. The Blaugrana are putting the finishing touches to their tactical preparations before hosting Deportivo Alavés in another crucial league fixture, especially after the heavy blow suffered in El Clásico.
The main news from the training ground was the confirmed absence of Jules Koundé. The French defender did not join the rest of the squad for training and has been ruled out of the match against the Vitoria-based side.
The full-back joins an already lengthy injury list. Players including Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Xavi Espart, Dani Olmo and Roony Bardghji continue their recovery programmes away from the main group.
With so many players unavailable, the coaching staff have had to reorganise the defence and midfield. Tactical changes to the starting line-up are expected to keep the team competitive.
All eyes now turn to the press room. German coach Hansi Flick will address the media at 13:00 to preview the match and ******* s the squad's fitness.

#training #players

A partir del próximo 9 de noviembre hay un nuevo parón de selecciones: dos semanas que ponen en vilo a todos los clubes que tienen algún internacional, a la espera de que ninguno regrese lesionado. Eso es lo que le pasa al FC Barcelona con Raphinha. El jugador brasileño ha vuelto a ser convocado por el seleccionador de la 'canarinha' para disputar dos partidos amistosos contra ***** ón (14 de noviembre) y Singapur (17 de noviembre). La disputa de esos partidos supondrá, nuevamente, una importante suma de kilómetros para la estrella azulgrana. Raphinha recorrerá unos 22.000 kilómetros.
Raphinha en el duelo ante el PSG. | Europa Press
Cabe recordar que el futbolista volvió lesionado del último parón y se perdió los partidos contra Getafe y Galatasaray. Como es lógico después de una lesión, el jugador debe coger ritmo de competición. Desde su vuelta al césped, Raphinha no ha disputado ningún partido completo. Suma 20′ contra el Betis, 60′ contra el PSG y 86′ ante el Real Madrid. Es decir, de 270 minutos posibles, Raphinha ha disputado 166′, lo que hace un 61,4% de los minutos. Tampoco ha vuelto a su mejor nivel: no está tan eléctrico como antes y sus cotas goleadoras han disminuido sensiblemente, con solo un gol desde su regreso. Aun sin estar al 100% de forma física, Carlo Ancelotti ha decidido convocarlo para dos amistosos intrascendentes.
El historial reciente del atacante blaugrana no invita al optimismo en Can Barça. Contando el último parón, Raphinha ha vuelto lesionado a Barcelona de las últimas tres llamadas de la selección. La primera por disputar un amistoso contra Francia en Estados Unidos, que le supuso perderse los dos meses más importantes de la pasada campaña. La segunda, tras el Mundial, y la reciente tras disputar dos amistosos irrelevantes en India y Australia.
Después de la lesión del gaúcho en el último parón de selecciones, Laporta se mostró indignado, declarando que los clubes sufren «grandes perjuicios». Sin embargo, Ancelotti ha vuelto a convocar a Raphinha y ha contestado al presidente azulgrana.

#raphinha #noviembre #lesionado #para

Barcelona's La Liga **** le defense is flying high as Hansi Flick's Blaugranas are a perfect 9-0-0 to start the season.
Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid sit third with 21 points, six back of the throne room, and the possible six-point swing that is the first Clasico of the season is coming up this week.
MORE — Latest standings, leading scorers | All-time champions
Raphinha is leading the way for Barcelona with 12 goals through seven outings as one of three finishers off to red-hot starts to the season (Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez).
Real have been led in goals by Kylian Mbappe but are waiting for other players to follow suit, though Arda Guler's impressed in the playmaking department and Jude Bellingham is starting to warm up nicely. But Mourinho won't be able to count on suspended Vinicius Junior.

#goals #liga

Barcelona star Eric García has this week revealed his take that the podium for this year's Ballon d'Or award should be filled entirely by teammates from Hansi Flick's squad.
The subject of the upcoming 'Golden Ball' ceremony has of course dominated the headlines in Catalunya's capital over the course of the last week.
This comes owing not only to those Barcelona stars included on the 30-man shortlist, but also those left off.
Featuring front and centre were Blaugrana trio Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Pau Cubarsí, as well as the recently departed Ferran Torres. Surprisingly nowhere to be seen on the shortlist, though, were either Pedri or Raphinha.
Speaking during an interview with Cadena SER on Monday, the aforementioned Eric García was in turn asked for his take on the race to be named world football's best player for 2026.

#Barcelona #eric #garc #week

FC Barcelona will be gunning for their sixth straight victory this season when they take on Levante in La Liga on Sunday.
The Blaugrana came into the matchday as La Liga leaders, after having won each of their four games in the competition so far, scoring 17 and conceding only two goals.
They built on their exceptional start with a 5-1 thrashing of Feyenoord in their UEFA Champions League opener on Wednesday night.
Given their splendid form so far, Barça go into the game as overwhelming favourites. Their opponents, Levante are in the bottom half of the table with five points from four games so far.
They have not lost any of their previous three matches, drawing against Osasuna and Malaga on either side of a 5-2 victory over Real Betis.

#levante #games #Barcelona

Leading members of the first-team ranks at La Liga's two headline clubs have secured for themselves respective places in the first Champions League Team of the Season.
This of course comes fresh off the opening round of fixtures in European football's premiere club competition being brought to a close on Thursday night.
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid managed opening day victories, the former at the expense of Feyenoord, and the latter Inter Milan.
Leading the way with a brace for Hansi Flick's Blaugrana was the in-form Raphinha, enough for the Brazilian to clinch a spot amongst the attackers in the Team of the Week.
For Real Madrid, meanwhile, it was a performance at the other end of the pitch which proved enough for a spot amongst UEFA's coveted XI, after Thibaut Courtois conjured up a whole host of brilliant saves to hold Inter at bay.

#leading

Joao Cancelo has made no secret of his biggest ambition at Barcelona, with the Portuguese defender dreaming of lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy with the Blaugrana.
Cancelo made his first start of the season against Feyenoord on Wednesday, completing the full 90 minutes as Barcelona opened their European campaign with an important victory and a strong performance.
The summer signing was delighted to finally play a major role and believes Barça have made the right start in their pursuit of European success.
Yet, he knows the Champions League campaign is only beginning.
Speaking to Barcelona's official media (h/t MARCA), Cancelo highlighted the importance of playing at home in Europe while making his personal target clear.

#start #joao #portuguese

Cesc Fabregas has been left seriously impressed by Barcelona's current level under Hansi Flick, describing the Blaugrana's performances as "frightening" ahead of their eventual Champions League meeting with his Como side.
Fabregas, who came through Barcelona's academy and later played for the first team, watched Barça's recent European victory over Feyenoord and highlighted their ability to escape almost any tactical problem thrown at them.
The Como manager was speaking after his own team made an emphatic start to their Champions League campaign, beating Leipzig 4–1 in a statement result on their European debut.
Barcelona's ability to find answers regardless of the opposition's approach stood out most to Fabregas.
"I watched Barça's match yesterday and I can tell you that Feyenoord are a very good side, but the thing is, Barça make you look bad because they find a way out of every situation at all times.

#league

Barcelona sporting director Deco has provided an explanation for the club's decision to reject the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford, in favour of bringing in Anthony Gordon.
Winger Rashford of course spent the duration of last season plying his trade on loan in Catalunya's capital. The Englishman, for the most part, enjoyed an impressive stint in Blaugrana colours, racking up 28 goal contributions across all competitions.
After lengthy deliberation heading into the summer, however, the Camp Nou brass made the call not to make Rashford's move a permanent one.
Instead, they turned focus towards deal for fellow countryman Anthony Gordon, despite Newcastle's considerably steeper asking price.
Speaking during an appearance in front of the media this week, the aforementioned Deco was therefore asked for the first time exactly why he and his team of directors opted for Gordon over Rashford.

#deco #winger #englishman

A member of the attacking ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona on Sunday took over sole ownership of the **** le of the top scorer in Europe's top-5 leagues this season.
This comes owing to developments in the Blaugrana's meeting with Valencia.
Hansi Flick's troops are fresh off another absolutely dominant victory this evening, keeping alive a flawless start to the new campaign with a five-goal romp at Mestalla.
Lamine Yamal was on target to the tune of a brace, whilst Fermín López also shone bright yet again with a trio of direct goal contributions.
It was captain and new centre-forward Raphinha, though, whose strike proved the significant one when it comes to the early race for the European Golden Boot.

#liga #sunday #hansi #lamine

Barcelona remain perfect to start the season and have won their fourth straight La Liga game to open up a three-point lead at the top of the table thanks to a dominant 5-0 win over Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday afternoon. The Blaugrana put on another attacking show and created over a dozen giant chances, and Lamine Yamal (twice), Raphinha, Fermín López and Pedri found the net to give the leaders three more points in spectacular fashion.
Barça played a fantastic opening period, establishing their dominance from the opening whistle and creating huge chances early and often against Valencia's low block.
Lamine Yamal scored a brilliant first goal and had a second disallowed for a very narrow offside, and came very close three other times. Fermín López also found the net with a powerful finish in the box, and almost scored a glorious solo goal but was denied by the keeper and the post.
The Catalans had a couple of scares at the back but Joan Garcia was up to the task with a couple of big saves. Barça were in control for the entire half, however, and dominated midfield thanks to Rodri, who was simply fantastic in the opening 45 minutes of his first start.
There was only one piece of bad news when a freak accident caused Eric Garcia to suffer a broken nose in a collision with Rodri in the box, but Barça were fully in control and had a deserved two-goal lead at the break.

#opening #lamine #yamal #start

An insight into the meaning behind the new celebration made use of by Barcelona star Lamine Yamal on Sunday has come to the fore online.
This comes amid the understanding that the pose was a tribute to younger brother, Keyne.
Barcelona were of course back in action a short time ago, making the trip to Mestalla with sights on a fourth successive victory to open the defence of their La Liga ******* le.
When all was said and done, another three points is precisely what the Blaugrana secured, courtesy of a dominant 5-0 triumph.
The aforementioned Lamine, despite fitness concerns in the days leading up to the clash, was in from the off in Valencia, and set the scoring in motion courtesy of a classy finish.

#Barcelona #courtesy

La Liga giants Barcelona have on Sunday been dealt a potential blow on the personnel front. This comes owing to developments in the Blaugrana's latest outing on the domestic front.
Hansi Flick's troops are currently locked in action at Mestalla, in a league meeting with Valencia. Barca headed into proceedings with sights on a fourth win from four to open the campaign, aware that as much would see them open an early advantage over arch rivals Real Madrid atop the table.
And as things stand, this is precisely what the evening's visitors find themselves headed towards. Owing to goals on the part of Lamine Yamal and Fermín López, Barcelona are in possession of a deserved 2-0 advantage.
As alluded to above, though, across an otherwise positive outing to date for the reigning Spanish champions, one source of concern was forthcoming on the personnel front.
Following a bizarre set-piece sequence which saw Rodri collide head-first with teammate Eric García, the latter was left grounded and bleeding from his nose.

#Barcelona #personnel #outing #sunday

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana travel to Mestalla for a La Liga game against Valencia, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 24 players for Sunday's clash:
Goalkeepers: 1. Joan Garcia, 13. Wojciech Szczesny, 25. Dominik Livakovic
Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 3. Alejandro Balde, 5. Pau Cubarsí, 12. Xavi Espart, 15. Andreas Christensen, 18. Gerard Martín, 23. Jules Kounde, 24. Eric Garcia
Midfielders: 4. Brian Fariñas, 6. Gavi, 7. Fermín López, 8. Pedri, 16. Rodri, 20. Dani Olmo, 22. Marc Bernal
Forwards: 9. Gabriel Jesus, 10. Lamine Yamal, 11. Raphinha, 14. Karim Adeyemi, 17. Anthony Gordon, 29. Hamza Abdelkarim

#garcia #mestalla #valencia

Bayern Munich star Jonathan Tah has taken to social media this weekend, to send a message of congratulations the way of new Barcelona youngster Mikael Baza.
Baza, for those not familiar with his name, is fresh off putting pen to paper on contract terms in Catalunya's capital. Identified as a transfer target on the part of the Barcelona brass owing to his exploits in the youth ranks of German outfit Hamburg, Deco and co. launched a late-window ***** ault on his signature.
From here, the 16-year-old was unveiled as a Blaugrana player this past Monday, set to link up with Barca Atlètic for the season ahead.
And as alluded to above, Baza has since received a congratulatory message from a leading German international, namely Bayern Munich's Jonathan Tah.
Stopper Tah is the older cousin of Baza, and therefore took to social media on Saturday to reveal his delight for the German youth international. In a post on his official Instagram account, Tah unveiled a photo of Baza in Barcelona colours, accompanied by the caption:

#german #bayern #unveiled

Former Barcelona star Sergio Agüero has revealed his take that new Blaugrana signing Gabriel Jesus will ultimately go on to prove himself a success in Catalunya's capital.
This of course comes fresh off the Brazilian sealing a Camp Nou switch on transfer deadline day.
After Deco and the Barcelona transfer team were forced to give up on their dream of landing priority striker target Julián Alvarez, experienced **** nal man Jesus was over recent days sought out as a cut-price backup option.
Out of the plans of Mikel Arteta in North London, the **** nal brass, in turn, quickly gave the green light for the 29-year-old to move on.
The signing has since been met with something of a mixed reception amongst those of a Blaugrana persuasion, many of whom have been quick to point to Jesus' alarming recent injury record.

#Barcelona #transfer

With not a lot of time left before the summer transfer window slams shut, FC Barcelona are still working to finalise a couple of last-minute operations.
One such operation involves out-of-favour midfielder Marc Casado, with the Blaugrana keen on parting ways with the academy graduate and trim the squad during the final hours of the transfer window.
The Catalans have been working hard to find a solution for the midfielder, who has known his situation for months and has been ******* sing the various offers received with his representatives.
Now, according to SPORT, Deportivo La Coruna have made a strong late push to sign Casado on loan from Barcelona. The proposal has emerged almost at the last minute, but the midfielder is seriously considering it.
Deportivo La Coruna make a push for Casado. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

#casado #coruna #transfer #working

FC Barcelona is wasting no time and is already going all in for Gabriel Jesus. After the definitive 'no' from Atlético de Madrid for Julián Álvarez, the sporting department has radically changed its target. The departure of Robert Lewandowski has left a huge void in the box, and the Brazilian ***** nal striker is the chosen one to fill the role of the reference No. 9, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
At 29 years old, the Seleçao forward is not comfortable with his secondary role in London, where fierce competition has limited his playing time. This lack of prominence has led the player to ask to leave the Premier League in search of a project where he can truly feel important.
His desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt is nothing new. Back in his Palmeiras days, before making the leap to Europe in 2016, Gabriel Jesus dreamed of playing at Camp Nou. Now, the striker is putting maximum pressure on the English club so that talks move forward and his arrival in the Catalan capital is finalized as soon as possible.
There was some caution in the club's offices regarding his physical condition due to the serious knee injury he suffered at the start of 2025. However, Barça's medical staff have reviewed all his reports in detail and confirm that the Brazilian is 100% fit and fully recovered to compete at the highest level from day one.
Gabriel Jesus' numbers speak for themselves: 95 goals for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola and more than 30 goals with the Gunners. Gabriel Jesus brings goals, spark, experience in big matches, and that Brazilian street-football flair that can get the Barça fans buzzing.

#time #forward #Barcelona

Barcelona now know the road they must go through in the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase, with Hansi Flick's side beginning their European campaign at home before facing a potentially decisive trip to Paris shortly before the first Clasico of the season.
The Blaugrana will open their Champions League campaign against Feyenoord at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday, September 9, with kick-off scheduled for 6.45 pm.
Barcelona had already learned the eight opponents they will face in the competition, but UEFA has now confirmed the order of fixtures and dates, giving Flick and his players a clearer picture of the challenges ahead.
The Catalan side will play Manchester City, Aston Villa, Feyenoord and Como at home, while PSG, Sporting CP, Galatasaray and Sabah FK await away from Barcelona.
The standout fixture from Barcelona's Champions League schedule is undoubtedly the away match against Paris Saint-Germain.

#side

The summer transfer market has been shaken by Álvaro Morata's surprising move to CD Leganés, while the latest sports headlines are dominated by Julián Álvarez's absence from Atlético de Madrid's trip to Seville and FC Barcelona's tactical adjustments in attack.
The Madrid-born striker is behind the summer's biggest move after joining CD Leganés on loan from Como. The deal shakes up the second tier and makes the Spain international Leganés' main ***** et in their bid to return to the top flight.
For his part, Diego Simeone heads into the visit to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán without a recognized centre-forward after Julián Álvarez was confirmed unavailable. The Argentine's absence, prompted by his refusal to train during the final stretch of the transfer window, puts even more focus on the tactical setup the rojiblancos will use in Seville.
Meanwhile, in Barcelona, Hansi Flick is drawing up attacking alternatives. Faced with the complicated scenario of signing Julián Álvarez, the coaching staff are considering redeploying Raphinha as an out-and-out No. 9, trusting in his movement and finishing to lead the blaugrana attack.
On the international stage, the European draws have handed demanding matchups to Celta de Vigo and Real Sociedad in the Europa League, while Getafe will face more manageable fixtures in the Conference League.

#legan #seville #transfer #international

Today's sports front pages, August 29, are packed with major talking points: Kylian Mbappé is in the Madrid spotlight after his brilliant start, Barça are looking for tactical solutions after the "Flick Spirit," and Julián Álvarez's situation continues to make headlines ahead of the big Sevilla-Atlético clash.
The newspaper AS devotes its front page to Kylian Mbappé under the headline "MBAPPÉ EYES THE BALLON D'OR", highlighting the French forward's ambitions to win the individual award after his hat-trick against Real Sociedad and his performances for Real Madrid.
The big surprise of the transfer market comes from MARCA with its headline "THE SUMMER'S BLOCKBUSTER", announcing the presentation of Álvaro Morata by CD Leganés.
In the Catalan press, MUNDO DEPORTIVO praises the "FLICK SPIRIT", hailing the dynamism and collective pressing of the Blaugrana side despite not having an out-and-out No. 9.
For its part, SPORT goes a step further and states that "RAPHINHA WILL BE THE '9'" as the main alternative in the German coach's system.

#madrid

La Liga giants Barcelona will again be forced to make do without the contributions of midfield star Gavi in the club's next outing. This comes amid the understanding that the youngster has not yet been cleared for competitive action.
Gavi of course set alarm bells sounding across the Barcelona fanbase last weekend. En route to the Blaugrana's 5-0 opening day drubbing of Elche, the Spanish international was forced off with a knee complaint.
After a round of medical tests back at the Ciutat Esportiva the following day, all of a Barca persuasion breathed a sigh of relief, as it was confirmed that Gavi had suffered only bruising.
The 22-year-old was nevertheless left out of Hansi Flick's squad to face Athletic Club on Thursday, yet to return to group training in Catalunya's capital.
And if the latest word stemming from the media on Friday is anything to go by, then a comeback this weekend also appears to have been all but ruled out. As per a report from journalist Moises Llorens of ESPN:

#gavi #elche #ciutat #esportiva

The board at La Liga champions Barcelona were recently contacted by their counterparts from German outfit RB Leipzig. This came with a view to gathering information on the terms of a potential deal for Marc Casadó.
Youngster Casadó is of course widely expected to bring a close to his stint in Blaugrana colours before the summer is out. Pushed further down the engine room pecking order in Hansi Flick's squad following the recent arrival of Rodri, the 22-year-old has been informed that his services are no longer required in Catalunya's capital.
Still held in high regard across the continent, Casadó, in turn, has garnered interest from a whole host of clubs over recent weeks.
And as alluded to above, over the last couple of days, a new suitor are understood to have positioned themselves in the race for the signature of the Spanish international.
As per a report from market insider Fabrizio Romano:

#liga #leipzig #blaugrana

Barcelona star Fermín López has taken to social media on Monday, to show his appreciation for the efforts of new teammate and attacking partner-in-crime Anthony Gordon.
This of course comes after the latter got his stint in the famed Blaugrana red and blue underway in nothing short of superb fashion.
Barcelona kicked the defence of their La Liga ****** le into gear on Sunday night, courtesy of a trip to the Estadio Martínez Valero to face Elche. When all was said and done, Hansi Flick's troops made short work of their hosts, to the tune of a 5-0 drubbing.
The aforementioned Anthony Gordon was forced to watch on from the bench from the off in Alicante, but was introduced to proceedings for his debut during the 2nd-half.
And the England international wasted little time in providing the Barca faithful with a glimpse of his talents, laying on a pair of ****** ists within six minutes of stepping onto the pitch.

#short

Barcelona star Alejandro Balde was not expecting the decision of manager Hansi Flick to drop him entirely from matchday duties for the club's opening fixture of the new campaign.
Barca, of course, are fresh off a spectacular opening to the defence of their La Liga ******* le on Sunday night. After making the trip to Alicante to take on Elche, the Blaugrana ran riot to the tune of a 5-0 triumph.
For the aforementioned Balde, however, from an individual standpoint, Sunday proved an evening to forget…
Amid mounting speculation surrounding his future in Catalunya's capital heading into the final week of the summer transfer window, the Spaniard was omitted from Barcelona's travelling squad bound for the Estadio Martínez Valero.
And this call, it has since been revealed, left Balde somewhat taken aback. As per a report from journalist Helena Condis of COPE:

#flick

Julian Alvarez's future at Atletico Madrid was already difficult and after Sunday night, it appears to be getting worse.
The Argentine forward was once again at the centre of attention during Atletico's 2-2 draw with Villarreal, but not because of what he did with the ball.
Alvarez was booed by sections of his own supporters while warming up, received an even louder reaction when he came off the bench and then found himself at the heart of more controversy after the final whistle.
For Barcelona, who view Alvarez as a priority target, these scenes will not have gone unnoticed.
The Blaugrana have been clear about their interest, while the player has made no secret of his desire to leave Atletico.

#argentine #Barcelona #blaugrana

Hansi Flick revealed why he was "concerned" about Barcelona's first-half performance against Elche, as the Blaugrana went on to secure a dominant 0-5 win to kickstart their LaLiga campaign.
Much has been made of Barcelona's lack of an out-and-out striker, but finding the back of the net was not a problem for the clinical visitors on Sunday as they scored with five of their seven shots on target.
Raphinha and Fermín López both bagged braces, while Karim Adeyemi also found his way onto the scoresheet on his competitive debut for the club and Anthony Gordon registered two ***** ists on his first outing in Blaugrana.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Flick praised Raphinha's mindset and flexibility to play in any required position, explaining that "he's the player for me who is a good example for intensity, a good example for improving this and also to start the pressing.
"When he's doing this, the other players are following him and this is great. This, for me, is a captain."

#flick #hansi #elche #sunday

La Liga giants Barcelona have omitted a trio of transfer-linked members of the club's first-team setup from their matchday squad to face Elche.
Hansi Flick's troops are of course primed to kick the defence of their Spanish top-flight ****** le into gear on Sunday evening. After seeing arch rivals Real Madrid get the better of Espanyol on Saturday, Barca will be hopeful of responding with a three-point haul of their own.
In efforts towards as much, though, the Blaugrana will make do without the contributions of any of Alejandro Balde, Marc Casadó, or Héctor Fort.
Defenders Balde and Fort, as well as midfielder Casadó, have all been heavily linked with respective departures from Barcelona ahead of the summer transfer deadline.
Out of the plans of boss Hansi Flick, the Camp Nou brass are hopeful of securing considerable sums for all three over the coming days.

#casad

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana kick off a new season with a trip to Elche for the first La Liga game of the campaign, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 23 players for Sunday's clash:
Goalkeepers: Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny, Eder Aller
Defenders: João Cancelo, Pau Cubarsí, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martín, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Álvaro Cortés, Jordi Pesquer
Midfielders: Gavi, Fermín López, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, Brian Fariñas, Xavi Espart
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon, Hamza Abdelkarim

#garcia #elche #goalkeepers #wojciech

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has revealed the status of summer signing Rodri for his side's La Liga opener against Elche. This comes amid confirmation that the midfielder's Blaugrana debut will not be forthcoming this weekend.
Rodri is of course fresh off being unveiled as the latest big-money addition to Spanish champions Barca's first-team ranks.
After the 30-year-old made known his intention to depart Manchester City ahead of the expiration of his contract terms next summer, the Camp Nou brass quickly set about bringing Rodri to Catalunya's capital for the seasons ahead.
And after several weeks of back-and-forth negotiations over the terms of the fee involved, this week, Deco and co. finally landed their man.
With Rodri having since been registered by his new employers for La Liga action, those of a Blaugrana persuasion were no doubt hopeful of catching a first glimpse of the Ballon d'Or winner in the famed red and blue stripes against Elche this weekend.

#first #terms