Barcelona have officially announced their 23-man squad for Sunday’s first El Clasico of the 2026/27 season against Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou, with Hansi Flick handing Alex Campos and Orian Goren places in the matchday group.
The two youngsters are set to make their first appearances in a Barcelona league squad, earning the opportunity for a fixture that could have a significant impact on the La Liga title race.
Flick’s side enter the contest with the chance to move nine points clear of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid with victory.
However, Barcelona will have to manage without several injured players as they look to claim three crucial points against their eternal rivals.
Alex Campos and Orian Goren earn El Clasico call-ups
The inclusion of Campos and Goren provides a notable talking point in Barcelona’s squad announcement.
Campos was previously called up for the Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain, while Goren is receiving his first opportunity to join the senior matchday group for a league fixture.
Neither youngster is guaranteed minutes, but their presence gives the coach additional options as Barcelona seek to strengthen their position at the top of the table.
Barcelona missing five players through injury
The squad announcement also confirms a number of significant absences.
Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, Dani Olmo, Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji are unavailable for the Clasico.
Olmo is expected to miss around a month after suffering an injury to the adductor muscle in his left leg.
Kounde, meanwhile, had been working to recover from an ankle injury but has not returned to fitness in time for Sunday’s encounter.
Christensen and Eric Garcia are further defensive absentees, while Bardghji’s absence removes another option from Flick’s selection.
Barcelona have chance to open a nine-point lead
This is the first meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid in the 2026/27 campaign.
Flick described El Clasico in his pre-match press conference as “one of the best matches this sport has to offer.”
Victory would allow Barcelona to create a nine-point gap over Real Madrid, giving them a potentially valuable advantage early in the season.
That opportunity raises the stakes for Flick’s team, particularly with several first-team players unavailable.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
