Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has named a 23-man squad for Sunday’s La Liga match against Levante at Camp Nou, with Pedri and Marcus Rashford returning from injury.
The squad list, announced Saturday, includes goalkeepers Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny, and Diego Kochen. Defenders named are João Cancelo, Alejandro Balde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Jules Kounde, and Eric Garcia. Midfield options for Flick include Pedri, Fermín López, Marc Casadó, Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, and Tommy Marqués. Forwards selected are Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford, and Roony Bardghji.
Pedri’s return is a significant boost for Barcelona after a month-long absence due to a hamstring injury. Rashford is similarly available again following recovery from a knee issue. Gavi continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury, though he is back in training, and Andreas Christensen remains sidelined with a long-term knee problem.
Flick is under pressure to secure a win after recent defeats to Atlético Madrid and Girona, with reports indicating a shift in the team’s atmosphere following those results. According to Barcablaugranes.com, Flick acknowledged a change in the “vibe” after the losses, but expressed confidence that the team is prepared for the Levante clash. He stated the two days off given to the players were beneficial, noting they appeared “fresher” in training.
The German coach has emphasized the need for unity and leadership within the squad. “We need leaders. It’s important that they have a voice. I want them to take responsibility for the situation and I consider they are doing that,” Flick said, as reported by Barcablaugranes.com. He also revealed he has been holding team meetings focused on open dialogue, stating he asks questions rather than simply issuing instructions.
Flick has stressed the importance of regaining confidence, admitting that doubts are natural after losses. “We play at home and we have to win the three points. We want to regain confidence,” he said, according to fcbarcelona.com. He also believes the team needs to rediscover its intensity and tactical discipline, demanding “tactical discipline, intensity, decisiveness, and efficiency” from his players, as reported by sports.yahoo.com.
Barcelona has a strong home record against Levante, having won all 16 of their previous La Liga matches. However, their most recent encounter was a close 3-2 victory, requiring a late own goal to secure the points.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4.15pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 3.15pm GMT (UK), 10.15am ET, 7.15am PT (USA), and 8.45pm IST (India).
