Marcus Rashford will replace Fermin Lopez in the Barcelona starting lineup when they take on Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday.
Barcelona will aim to end a successful 2025/26 campaign on a high note when they lock horns with Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday night. Hansi Flick has a new injury concern to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Fermin Lopez is the latest absentee after fracturing his right foot in the league game against Real Betis earlier this week. The Spanish international will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after undergoing surgery to fix the injury.
Lopez accompanies Ferran Torres (thigh), Frenkie de Jong (match fitness), and Lamine Yamal (hamstring) in the treatment room. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided an update on Fermin Lopez.
The Barcelona manager said, “Fermin is hurting. He’s had a fantastic season and really helped us win La Liga. Playing in the World Cup is a dream for every player, but that’s life in the end. We are with him and he’ll come back even stronger.”
Meanwhile, Flick also explained why he has rotated Jules Kounde in recent weeks, revealing that he does not want the French international to sustain a recurrence of his injury ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He said, “He’s going to play in the World Cup. He’s been experiencing some minor niggles, which is why we’ve been taking a cautious approach with him. Everyone wants to be in top form for the World Cup, and we want to look after them too. He’ll be receiving treatment, working with the coaching staff, and his recovery is going well.”
Joan Garcia is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Valencia on Saturday.
