Get the full match preview as Barcelona prepares to host a resilient Athletic Club in a crucial La Liga showdown with predictions and lineups analyzed.
Barcelona will be without several key players including De Jong, Gavi, Yamal, Ter Stegen, Pedri and Raphinha for their La Liga clash against Athletic Club.
According to a report from FotMob, Barcelona will enter their La Liga match against Athletic Club on Saturday with a significantly weakened squad. Several first-team regulars are unavailable:
Frenkie de Jong is suspended; Gavi and Lamine Yamal are both sidelined through injury; and Marc Casado, Marc-André ter Stegen, Pedri, and Raphinha are all doubts or confirmed out.
Meanwhile, Athletic Club are also dealing with a number of absences. Benat Prados, Iñaki Williams, Maroan Sannadi, Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, and Unai Egiluz are all out due to injury.
FotMob highlights the tactical challenges both managers face: Barcelona may have to rely on younger or makeshift midfielders, while Athletic will need to reshuffle their squad significantly.
The report notes that despite the injury list, the home side will hope to capitalize on their attacking strength, although defensive frailties could be exposed.
In terms of the match context, FotMob also points out key head-to-head dynamics, recent form, and what to expect from the lineups, suggesting that fitness could be a decisive factor in how both teams approach the game.