Barcelona will return to the iconic Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, marking an emotional homecoming after more than two years away.
The Catalan giants face Athletic Club in this historic La Liga clash, with the stadium partially reopened following a €1.5 billion transformation project
Barcelona vs Athletic Club – Match preview and team news
- Date: Saturday, 22nd November.
- Kick-off: 3:15pm BST.
- Venue: Camp Nou
Barcelona team news
Hansi Flick faces a significant midfield crisis ahead of this emotionally charged fixture. Frenkie de Jong will be suspended after receiving a red card in Barcelona’s 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo before the international break.
The injury list remains substantial for the Blaugrana. Pedri is sidelined with a muscular problem affecting his hamstring and is expected to miss this weekend’s clash, though he could potentially return against Chelsea in the Champions League on November 25.
However, there’s positive news on the injury front. Lamine Yamal is back in training after undergoing a groin procedure that forced him to miss Spain’s November international fixtures, and the teenage sensation is set to feature against Athletic Club. Brazilian winger Raphinha has also returned to full training after dealing with a hamstring problem that took longer than expected to heal, and he is expected to be in the squad.
Marc Casado, who felt pain in his groin ahead of the Celta clash, is expected to be cleared for selection this weekend. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia has been absent since late September following knee surgery but is back in training and expected to return.
Athletic Club team news
Ernesto Valverde has received two major injury boosts ahead of this challenging trip to Catalonia. Nico Williams, who has been struggling with a persistent hernia issue similar to Lamine Yamal’s problem, has seen the pain recede and is in line to play against his former suitors. The Spanish winger returned to full training on Monday and completed the entire session alongside his teammates.
Oihan Sancet, who has been dealing with a thigh injury, is also back in training and expected to be available for selection. The attacking midfielder’s return provides Valverde with crucial creative options in the final third.
First-choice goalkeeper Unai Simon sustained an injury on international duty with Spain and remains a doubt for this fixture. If Simon cannot recover in time, Alex Padilla is expected to deputize between the posts.
Inaki Williams will not be available for the Camp Nou clash. The veteran forward, who boasts a good record against Barcelona, is still recovering from a hamstring tear. Unai Egiluz, Benat Prados, and Maroan Sannadi are all ruled out through injury.
Form
Barcelona
Barcelona headed into the November international break having narrowed the gap to Real Madrid to three points, following Los Blancos’ goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano.
Hours later, the Blaugrana produced a thrilling performance at Balaidos. Flick’s side defeated Celta Vigo 4-2 with Poland captain Robert Lewandowski rediscovering his scoring touch with a hat-trick.
Barcelona have scored 32 goals in 12 La Liga matches this season, the highest in the division, but have conceded 15 goals as opponents continue to exploit their high defensive line
Athletic Club
Athletic Club have endured a difficult period, struggling to balance La Liga commitments with their UEFA Champions League campaign.
The Basque club have been inconsistent throughout the season. Athletic have won just five of their 12 league matches. Their last outing provided some relief, as they edged past Real Oviedo 1-0 at San Mames.
Predicted lineups
Barcelona: Szczesny; Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Olmo, Bernal, Fermin Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Rashford.
Athletic Club: Padilla; Gorosabel, Vivian, Laporte, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Berenguer, Sancet, Nico Williams; Guruzeta.
How to watch Barcelona vs Athletic Club?
In the UK, the Barcelona vs Athletic Club match will be broadcast live on Premier Sports via the LaLigaTV channel and also available on Disney+ for streaming.
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