New FC Barcelona signing Rodri is expected to make his debut for the Catalans on Thursday during their 2026/2027 La Liga home debut against Athletic Club.
Head coach Hansi Flick confirmed as much at his prematch press conference on Wednesday, though the Spain captain isn’t expected to start.
Instead in midfield, it should be a duo of Marc Bernal and Pedri, the latter of whom came on for an injured Gavi as the first half of the weekend’s 0-5 win over Elche in the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero drew to a close.
In some line ups, though, Bernal is a pivot defensive midfielder behind Pedri and Fermin Lopez, who is the team’s joint top scorer alongside Raphinha after their braces last time out.
The captain is once more the central target man as the hunt for Julian Alvarez ahead of the close of the transfer window continues.
He’s flanked by the same individuals in Karim Adeyemi and Lamine Yamal, with the latter looking to improve on his poor hour at Elche that led to him sulking on the bench.
At some point, though, expect to see Anthony Gordon, who came on and provided two assists in his first few FC Barcelona minutes.
Going further back down the pitch, Joan Garcia is of course the goalkeeper that already has a clean sheet to his name.
At left back, it’s once more Xavi Espart while the drama with Alejandro Balde plays out. As Flick also confirmed before the press, however, Balde will travel with the group and be featured on the squad list unlike last time out in Elche.
The right back is Eric Garcia. And at centre back, Gerard Martin partners Andreas Christensen with Pau Cubarsi not ready to start yet.
This is of course the first of two home games in five days, with Rayo Vallecano the next visitors at the turn of the week.
What FC Barcelona head coach Flick said
“At the moment, we are happy with the defenders we have. There are options like Eric or (Jules) Kounde, who can play in several positions. Christensen and Gerard have done well. Cubarsi is one of the best central defenders in the world. Last year and at the World Cup he played a lot, so I want to be patient with him. I know he wants to play, after an incredible World Cup.”
FC Barcelona Vs. Athletic Club kicks off at 21.00 local time.