Fermín named in 23 to face Athletic
Saturday brings the first home game of the Liga season, a 7pm CEST start against Athletic Club at Montjuïc. The visitors, playing Europa League football season and the champions of the Copa del Rey, will provide a stern test for Hansi Flick in his first official game as coach in front of his home fans, but after a win at Valencia on the opening day, 6 points from 6 would be the perfect start to the German's tenure.
He has named his 23 players for the game, with the late loss of Andreas Christensten to tendinopathy in his left Achilles. But Fermín Lopez gets his first call-up of the campaign after a summer in which he won both Euro 24 and Olympic gold. There is also room for Dani Olmo, although he will only be able to play if his name is registered with La Liga in time.
The full squad is as follows: Ter Stegen, Cubarsí, Balde, I. Martinez, Ferran, Pedri, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Iñaki Peña, Pablo Torre, Fermín, M. Casadó, Pau Víctor, Lamine Yamal, Olmo*, Kounde, Eric, Astralaga, Bernal, Alex Valle, H. Fort, Gerard Martín and S. Domínguez.
*Pending registration with LaLiga