Barcelona return to Spotify Camp Nou after the international break with Getafe arriving for a 18:30 LaLiga kick-off, and Hansi Flick has used the occasion to refresh his side before a demanding run of fixtures. Joan Garcia is back in goal, Gabriel Jesus makes his first start, while Pedri and Pau Cubarsí begin on the bench.
Key takeaways
- Joan Garcia has been cleared after a right-knee problem and resumes his place between the posts.
- Gabriel Jesus leads Barcelona’s attack for his first starting appearance under Flick.
- Pedri and Cubarsí are among the substitutes after logging 207 and 270 minutes respectively on international duty.
- Getafe coach José Bordalás has praised Barcelona as one of Spain and Europe’s outstanding teams, particularly for their work without the ball.
- Frenkie de Jong has returned to group training without pain and could be considered for the forthcoming match against Betis if his progress continues.
Flick rotates after international demands
Flick’s Barcelona line-up features Joan Garcia; Jules Koundé, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martín and Espart; Rodri, Dani Olmo and Gavi; with Lamine Yamal, Gabriel Jesus and Gordon across the front line.
The German coach has retained Lamine despite the teenager’s recent commitments with Spain. Flick described the forward’s form for both club and country as remarkable, having watched him live in England’s match against Spain at Wembley. He believes young players recover quickly and highlighted Lamine’s confidence, attitude and evident enjoyment of the game.
Raphinha is unavailable, while Barcelona have also been managing the effects of a crowded international schedule. Cubarsí played 270 minutes during the window and Pedri completed 207, prompting Flick to keep both in reserve. Fermín, who played 91 minutes for Spain, and Olmo, whose international total reached 220 minutes, had also been options around the attacking midfield role.
Flick has stressed that Barcelona must impose their own game against Getafe: controlling possession, controlling the opposition and maintaining their positional structure. For him, keeping the ball allows a side to recover; losing it requires immediate attacking intent to win it back.
He has also expressed confidence in Gabriel Jesus, citing the striker’s strength and intensity in the penalty area as well as his improvement since joining the squad. Flick said he is comfortable using him in this role.
Frenkie de Jong offers another possible solution as Barcelona navigate their defensive options. Flick said the Dutchman can operate at centre-back and confirmed that he is part of several alternatives available to the team. De Jong trained with the group after his discomfort subsided, and could enter the Betis squad if he continues to feel well.
Getafe arrive with Bordalás’s challenge
Bordalás has brought an ambitious message to Barcelona despite acknowledging the financial and sporting gap between the clubs. He considers Barcelona among the strongest sides in LaLiga and across Europe, praising not only their ability on the ball but, even more emphatically, their response when they do not have it.
The Getafe coach pointed to Barcelona’s repeated running and their rapid reaction after turnovers, arguing that Flick’s side are currently LaLiga’s best team without possession as well as a formidable one with it.
Getafe start with David Soria; Femenía, Djené, Gudelj, Romero and Mojica; Andrés García, Francho, Martín and Terrats; with Azón up front. Their bench includes Ferrer, Latacek, Davinchi, Sazonov, Abqar, Boselli, Valou, Risco, Martínez, Mayoral and Satriano.
Barcelona’s substitutes are Szczesny, Livakovic, Cancelo, Balde, Brian Fariñas, Cubarsí, Fermín, Pedri, Adeyemi, Bernal and Hamza. The match is available on DAZN and LaLiga TV.
