Official: Barcelona announce squad list to face Espanyol

FC Barcelona have revealed the official squad for their upcoming match against Espanyol at Montjuic. 

Manager Hansi Flick, due to several key absences, continues to rely on young talents from the academy to complete his roster. 

Some prominent names like Ferran Torres and Eric Garcia remain unavailable, as well as those recovering from long-term injuries, including Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and Marc Bernal.

To compensate for these absences, Flick has called up young Barça Athletic goalkeeper Ander Astralaga, alongside academy regulars eéctor Fort, Gerard Martin, and Sergi Dominguez. 

Hansi Flick's squad for #BarçaEspanyol! pic.twitter.com/OmRjfk6zoC

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 3, 2024

These players have been consistently training with the first team, gradually building experience within its structure. Their inclusion not only showcases Barcelona’s reliance on homegrown talent but also highlights the depth Flick can draw upon in times of need.

With this mix of youth and experience, Flick now has options for potential lineup adjustments. 

Fans might see tweaks, especially in the midfield or attacking areas, with possible starts for Dani Olmo or Frenkie de Jong, who both bring fresh dynamics to Barcelona’s playstyle. 

However, the defence is likely to remain untouched, given its recent solid performances. Flick seems to have found stability with a backline of Jules Kounde, Cubarsí, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Balde. 

This quartet has demonstrated effective coordination, especially in maintaining offside traps, which has been crucial for Barcelona’s defensive structure. 

Their synergy and reliable form provide a strong foundation that Flick can trust as he fine-tunes the team’s approach in other areas.