Fermin Lopez and Anthony Gordon will return to the Barcelona starting lineup when they take on Levante at Ciutat de Valencia on Sunday.
Barcelona will aim to continue the perfect start to the 2026/27 season when they lock horns with Levante at Ciutat de Valencia on Sunday afternoon. Hansi Flick has received a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Eric Garcia is available and part of the travelling squad to take on Levante after missing the UEFA Champions League clash with Feyenoord due to a nasal fracture. The Spanish international will be allowed to play on Sunday with a protective mask.
So, Roony Bardghji (ACL), Jesse Bisiwu (thigh), and Frenkie de Jong (knee) are the only players in the treatment room. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick did not provide a fitness update on any player, but reserved special praise for Pau Cubarsi and Raphinha.
The Barcelona manager said, “After the World Cup, Cubarsi is playing at a different level. I’m very happy. He has confidence and is focused on his body. He has improved physically, especially for his position. He’s playing fantastically with the ball, whether alongside Christensen or Gerard. We’ve done a fantastic job.”
“We have three different profiles, but Gordon, Adeyemi, and Olmo can also play, as well as Fermín. We have several options. Rapha is playing fantastically, he’s incredible. If he continues to play like this, for me he’s one of the best players in the world.”
Meanwhile, Flick also discussed the possibility of rotations. The Barcelona boss said, “It’s part of the game. The players have to accept it. In each position, we have two or three players who can play, and that’s something we have to accept. I was very pleased with the performance against Feyenoord the other day. We’re in good form, and we have to keep it up.”
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 Levante on Sunday. The backline will feature Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Xavi Espart.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Rodri and Pedri in the double pivot, though Marc Bernal is an option if Flick wants to make a rotation. Fermin Lopez will reprise the no. 10 role, with Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon being the two wide attackers. Finally, Raphinha will continue to lead the line for the away side against Levante this weekend.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin, Espart; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Gordon; Raphinha
