The spotlight is on Wojciech Szczęsny. With Joan García sidelined after undergoing knee surgery, the veteran Polish goalkeeper is preparing for his first official appearance with FC Barcelona this season. Hansi Flick’s men face Real Sociedad in LaLiga at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, a venue that will once again serve as the temporary home for the Catalan giants.
Szczęsny Takes Center Stage
Szczęsny was the first player to step onto the training pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper in Saturday’s final session before the Real Sociedad clash. While his teammates trained, Joan García was undergoing an arthroscopy to treat the meniscus injury sustained against Real Oviedo. With García out for several weeks, Szczęsny will have the chance to prove his quality and leadership in goal.
Positive News for Balde and Lamine
The session also brought encouraging signs: Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal trained with the group and could be available for selection. Both are expected to start on the bench but may get minutes in the second half to regain match rhythm ahead of the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Flick’s Limited Options in Midfield
Hansi Flick faces a tricky puzzle in midfield. With Gavi and Fermín out injured, only four senior players are available: Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casadó, Pedri, and Dani Olmo. This leaves little room for rotation. In defense, Pau Cubarsí is a guaranteed starter, with Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, and Eric García competing for the second spot.
Up front, the attacking trio is clear. Marcus Rashford, Robert Lewandowski, and Ferran Torres are expected to lead the line, with Roony Bardghji also in the mix. After resting in Oviedo, Koundé, De Jong, and Lewandowski are set to return to the starting lineup.
Backup Goalkeepers and Academy Role
Alongside Szczęsny, young goalkeepers Eder Aller and Emilio Bernad trained with the squad. Aller will likely be included in the first-team squad, while Bernad is set to feature for Barça Atlètic in their match against Sant Andreu.
Meanwhile, Diego Kochen is flying back from Chile, where he was competing in the U20 World Cup with the United States. The club negotiated his release so that he could rejoin the team and be part of the squad for the Real Sociedad game.
The Real Sociedad clash will mark the beginning of a crucial chapter for Wojciech Szczęsny at Barcelona. With Joan García sidelined, the Polish international now has the chance to establish himself as a reliable figure between the posts. All eyes will be on Montjuïc as Flick’s team aims for three important points in LaLiga.
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