Despite winning all four of their opening matches in the 2024/25 La Liga season, new manager Hansi Flick didn’t have the smoothest start. The Catalans battled fiercely to earn all three points at their games with Valencia (2-1), Athletic Club (2-1) and Rayo Vallecano (2-1). The Club keeps battling challenges related to Fair Play regulations and player registration issues, which forced head coach Hansi Flick to delay the debut of summer signing Dani Olmo until the third match.
Barcelona has been facing player registration and contract extension challenges since 2021 and the club still needs to resolve more issues ahead of the January transfer window. Olmo and Pau Victor are only registered until the end of the year, so the club must generate Fair Play to ensure they remain part of the squad in 2025.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta has expressed optimism about the club’s transfer situation, stating that they will be able to make signings normally in January and return to the 1:1 rule sooner than earlier speculated. Laporta described the club’s major kit deal with Nike as the “best contract in football.” It is expected to be a milestone in addressing their financial concerns.
The list of injured players keeps growing at Barcelona causing further issues during game selections. Seven players are currently sidelined – two from last season, during the pre-season tour in the US, and three since the start of the La Liga season. The International break which has seen Barca players feature for their countries has also brought its own pile of fitness challenges for some players. Here is a detailed list of players with fitness issues and the expected dates for their return;
Gavi: The Spanish youngster has been sidelined for over nine months since tearing his ACL while on international duty with Spain in November 2023. He missed the second half of the 2023/24 season and was also absent in Spain’s victories at Euro 2024 and the Olympics in Paris. The La Masia talent is nearing recovery and has started light training after surgery and rehabilitation. He is expected to be back in action in November without further complications, marking over a year since his injury.
Ansu Fati:
Ansu Fati has been gaining momentum under Flick during the pre-season tour in the USA. The Spanish winger returned from his loan at Brighton and still owns the iconic number 10 shirt in Barcelona. His progress was derailed by an injury in July and he has since been sidelined for Barcelona’s games this season. Recent reports say he is better and fit to return to the squad by the end of the International break and potentially against Girona.
Frenkie de Jong: Frenkie de Jong has been out since injuring his ankle during the El Clasico in April. He was expected to be back after a few weeks of the injury but has now been sidelined for five months. He missed out on Euro 2024 with the Dutch team and his injury retarded Manchester United’s interest in him. Recent reports say he may return soon to action after the international break, potentially in the game against Girona.
Marc Bernal: The 17-year-old sustained a severe knee injury during Barcelona’s match against Rayo Vallecano. He has been diagnosed with a ruptured ACL and damaged meniscus, ruling him out for the remainder of the season, with his recovery estimated at 10 to 12 months, a devastating start to his senior football career.
Ronald Araujo: Araujo suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Uruguay in the 2024 Copa America. The defender has been outstanding for the Catalans over the years and Hanci Flick is left without his services. He had a successful surgery and is expected to return in December.
Andreas Christensen: The Danish defender proved to be a valuable addition to the Catalans since his arrival from Chelsea. He has been battling Achilles tendinopathy since last season and was the first to be removed from the team this season to recover from the recurring injury. He’s expected to be out for two months, though it could extend to four months according to Barcelona’s medical reports.
Eric Garcia: Like Ansu Fati, Eric Garcia is also dealing with Plantar fasciitis and missed the games against Rayo Vallecano. He came in as a substitute for Marc Casado in the 61st minute of their 7-0 victory to Real Valladolid and didn’t show any signs of discomfort. It’s not certain what his fitness condition is at the moment but the medical team will be accessing him during the break. Garcia came to Barcelona on a free transfer from Man City and became a crucial part of Barcelona after an impressive loan spell with Girona. He was part of Spain’s gold-winning team at Paris this summer.
Robert Lewandowski requested to be substituted during Poland’s Nations League 3-2 win over Scotland on Thursday after experiencing some discomfort. The Barcelona forward converted a penalty after assisting Szymanski’s first goal in the first half. He was taken off and replaced by Adam Buksa after 72 minutes at Hampden Park.
Barcelona will be hoping Lewandowski who has scored four goals in four La Liga appearances remains fit through the international break. Poland will face Croatia next in the UEFA Nations League. The club is already dealing with several injuries, and another would be a significant blow.
Speaking after the match, Lewandowski explained his decision to leave the game, saying:
“I felt discomfort and then there was some pain. I realized that if I took a risk today, tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow it could be much worse. For the good of the team and my health, the decision was made to leave the field. The season will be very demanding. I could have up to 70 games ahead of me, so I need to manage my strength and energy wisely.”
Barcelona’s Upcoming Games
Girona vs. Barcelona (La Liga, Sunday 15th September 2024, 15:15)
Monaco vs. Barcelona (UEFA Champions League, Thursday 19th September 2024, 20:00)
Villarreal vs. Barcelona (La Liga, Sunday 22nd September 2024, 17:30)
Barcelona vs. Getafe (La Liga, Wednesday 25th September 2024, 20:00)
Osasuna vs. Barcelona (La Liga, Sunday 29th September 2024, 16:00)
Barcelona vs. BSC Young Boys Bern (UEFA Champions League, Tuesday 1st October 2024, 20:00)
Alaves vs. Barcelona (La Liga, Sunday 6th October 2024, 16:00)
Barcelona vs. Sevilla (La Liga, Sunday 20th October 2024, 16:00)
Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich (UEFA Champions League, Wednesday 23rd October 2024, 20:00)
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid (La Liga, Sunday 27th October 2024, 16:00)
Where To Get Avaliable Barcelona Tickets
Get Available FC Barcelona tickets that are in high demand. See seat maps and compare prices to secure the best spot at the venues. Use secondary marketplaces for a hassle-free purchase, as they remain the most reliable source for getting into the Games. Tickets from official sites are usually sold out due to this high demand.
Barcelona’s performances have been outstanding since the pre-season. They still have a long and challenging way to go in their quest to reclaim the Spanish domestic titles and on the European stage. The introduction and performance of Dani Olmo to the squad has brought relief to the attacking options needed by new coach Hansi Flick.
With great reforms carried out in the summer transfer window, the club is edging closer to resolving its financial and transfer issues. More injured players are expected to be available for the Catalans after the International break and as the season progresses. Ensure you don’t miss any on-field drama, reserve your tickets to the games, and rally behind Barcelona on their journey through the 2024/2025 season.
