FC Barcelona is preparing to start 2025 in the Copa del Rey against a modest opponent, but absences mark this first trip.
This Saturday, January 4, FC Barcelona enters the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey against Barbastro, a fourth division team. For the start of the year, Hansi Flick has called up 20 players.
A small group to face Barbastro
However, several notable absences underline the fragility of the group: Lamine Yamal remains rested after his ankle injury against Leganés, while veterans Wojciech Szczesny and Inigo Martinez are present to supervise a relatively young delegation.
Youngster Sergi Dominguez, last seen in a brief Champions League appearance against Red Star Belgrade, could get his chance to show off. On the other hand, Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, who are not yet on Barça’s official list for this second half of the season, will not be part of the squad for this match.
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Barça hopes to avoid the pitfalls of the Cup while relying on its available players, despite the necessary adjustments.
The Barça group against UD Barbastro
Cubarsí, Balde, R. Araujo, I. Martinez, Gavi, Pedri, Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Iñaki Peña, Pablo Torre, Fermín, M. Casadó, F. De Jong, Kounde, Eric, Szczęsny, Astralaga, Gerard Martín, S. Domínguez, A. Fernández
