These are very happy times at Barça. The squad announced for Sunday's game with Sevilla includes no fewer than five returnees from injury. It's been a long wait, but some big names are back!
Gavi back after 348 days
When Gavi left the field in tears when Spain played Georgia last November, we feared the worst. And it has been a long wait of eleven months, but he has now finally been named in a Barça squad again. The midfield has missed his presence dearly, but finally he's back.
Olmo and Fermín fully fit
They may not have been out for quite so long as Gavi, but it sure is nice to see that both Dani Olmo and Fermín are also over their injuries. Two key men with an attacking mindset, both had been having outstanding seasons before fitness issues got in the way.
Lamine and Kochen named in squad
US goalkeeper Diego Kochen picked up a left hamstring injury in September, but he is now back on the available list. News of another keeper too, as Szczesny is included in the blaugrana squad for the first time. Lastly, Lamine Yamal is perfectly fine to play. He had come back from international duty with a sprained muscle, but thankfully it was nothing like as serious as we originally feared.
The full 23-player squad announced by Hansi Flick on Sunday morning is Cubarsí, Balde, I. Martinez, Gavi, Pedri, Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Raphinha, Iñaki Peña, Pablo Torre, Fermín, M. Casadó, Pau Víctor, Lamine Yamal, Olmo, F. De Jong, Kounde, Eric, Szczesny, Kochen, H. Fort, Gerard Martín and S. Domínguez