Jesus, Joan Garcia start in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Getafe

Flick-ball is back after three weeks as FC Barcelona return to action later today following the conclusion of the international break.

The Blaugrana, who have won all of their eight matches so far this season, face off against Getafe at the Spotify Camp Nou, aiming to extend their blistering start to the 2026/27 campaign.

The La Liga champions have been in red-hot form, scoring goals for fun, but Getafe will pose a challenge as they have for Hansi Flick & co. in recent seasons.

Moreover, the fact that club captain Raphinha is unavailable after having returned with a minor injury from the international break could make matters a tad bit more complicated for the current table-toppers.

Apart from Raphinha, Barcelona will also be without Frenkie de Jong, who has returned to training, but needs time to be fully fit. Andreas Christensen also remains unavailable along with Roony Bardghji.

The good news is that Joan Garcia has recovered fully from his knee issue and is cleared to participate. Eric Garcia, who returned from the Spain camp with a discomfort, has also recovered and ready to play.

Ahead of the Catalans’ return to action tonight, here’s how Flick could set his Barcelona team up against Jose Bordalas’ side.

As mentioned earlier, Joan Garcia has recovered from his injury and trained normally with the squad leading up to the game. As such, the Spaniard is expected to reclaim his spot in goal after missing the last game against Sevilla.

Set to start. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Eric Garcia is also likely to start at right-back ahead of Jules Kounde, who is only one game away from becoming the French player with the most appearances for Barcelona.

On the left side of the defence, Xavi Espart, fresh after signing a new contract until 2030, will once again get the nod ahead of Alejandro Balde and Joao Cancelo.

Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin are likely to man the centre of the backline for the home team.

Flick has some important decisions to make in the midfield department in order to manage the workload of some of his stars.

The Barça manager has shown a preference for the pairing of Rodri and Pedri in the centre of the park. But the former featured heavily for Spain during the international break and could do with a breather.

Pedri, who did not play as much for the world champions, is expected to start with his qualities set to come in extremely handy against Getafe.

A rare chance for Gavi. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

Partnering the Spanish international in the midfield for the home team should be Gavi, who has not featured as much this season and could benefit from some minutes on the field.

Moving further up the pitch, Fermin Lopez is expected to get the nod as the attacking midfielder for Barcelona over Dani Olmo.

The big blow for Barcelona is that they will have to go into the game without their captain and top goalscorer Raphinha.

Stepping in for the 29-year-old star will be his fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus, who will be making his first start for Barça. The summer signing has already scored twice in his short cameos and will be gunning to make an impact on his maiden start.

On the left flank, Karim Adeyemi, who returned early from the international break, is likely to get the nod over Anthony Gordon.

Finally, Lamine Yamal will start for Barcelona on the right wing, although it will not come as a surprise to see Flick manage his minutes later on in the game.