After more than two years of playing home games at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys due to renovation work at the Spotify Camp Nou, the Blaugrana will finally return to their spiritual home ground after receiving the first occupancy permit for “Phase 1B”, which will see the stadium’s official capacity of 45,401.
Several key players will return to Hans-Dieter Flick’s squad when Barcelona host Athletic Club on La Liga matchday 13. Pedri is also expected to return to the bench for the upcoming Champions League clash against Chelsea. Marc-Andre ter Stegen is out until early December, and Gavi is out until February 2026.
Goalkeeper Joan Garcia has returned from a knee injury and is expected to make his debut at the Nou Camp.
Jules Kounde is not on the latest injury report but is not included in the recent predicted XI – Flick seems to prefer Eric Garcia at right-back this time, while Balde bombs away from the left as usual.
Midfield shuffle due to absences: With Frenkie de Jong suspended and Pedri injured, the midfield trio looks different.
Marc Casado has recovered from a groin problem and is in a position to start, which is important in the absence of other key players.
Fermin Lopez provides energy, pressure and a goal threat from deep – he has been one of the breakout stars of the season.
The forward line against Athletic Club will be led by Robert Lewandowski, who is in strong form, with Dani Olmo expected to start as a creative No. 10.
Lamine Yamal joins him on the right, and Rashford will not be available against Bilbao tomorrow.
He has not trained for two days due to illness, and Ferran Torres will start in his place on the left. Rafinha is also back from a hamstring injury but is likely to make an appearance from the bench.
Barcelona are second in the La Liga table with 28 points from 12 games, just three behind leaders Real Madrid.
Their recent form has been strong, with three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five matches in all competitions.
Barca recently secured a 2-4 away win over Celta after drawing 3-3 with Club Brugge in the Champions League.
The only recent setback for Barcelona was a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico, while they also beat Elche 3-1 at home, although they also recorded an impressive 6-1 win over Olympiacos.
The team will be looking to continue their strong league form, having won five of their five home games so far this season.
Barcelona possible starting lineup: J. Garcia; Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Olmo, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Rashford
