Story by
Four absences reshape Barcelona squad for Galatasaray
- Story by
- Four absences reshape Barcelona squad for Galatasaray
Four absences reshape Barcelona squad for Galatasaray
Barcelona have named 22 players for their Champions League visit to Galatasaray on Tuesday 13 October, with Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji absent. The squad announcement, reported by Barca Blaugranes and Mundo Deportivo, confirms that Raphinha has a minor muscle issue, Christensen and Bardghji are injured, and De Jong is still waiting for medical clearance despite returning to training.
Raphinha, Barcelona's captain and leading scorer, did not travel. De Jong's absence is a separate case from the three injury lay-offs: the Dutch midfielder has resumed training, but is not yet cleared to play. His recovery status has been closely watched as he works back towards availability for the midfield.
Advertisement
Flick has 22 players available in Istanbul
The travelling group includes three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders and five forwards. It gives Flick options across the pitch, though the four absences remove personnel from attack, midfield and defence.
The published predicted XI is not a confirmed team selection. It has Joan in goal, with Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric Garcia and Cancelo in defence; Fermín, Rodri and Pedri in midfield; and Yamal, Gabriel Jesus and Gordon in attack.
Four absences shape Barcelona's options
Raphinha's muscle problem leaves Flick without his captain and top scorer for the trip, while Christensen's absence further reduces the defensive choices. The injury to Andreas Christensen is one of three confirmed injury absences alongside Raphinha and Bardghji.
Advertisement
De Jong's status remains dependent on medical clearance; the squad news does not give a return date or confirm that he is close to being available. His absence leaves Flick without another midfield option for this fixture, even as the player has returned to training.
Barcelona face Galatasaray on Tuesday
The match at Galatasaray is scheduled to kick off at 9pm in Barcelona, 8pm BST and 3pm ET on Tuesday 13 October. Flick's final team will come from the 22 players named for the trip, while De Jong's involvement remains ruled out unless he receives medical clearance.
