Barcelona Unleashes Star-Studded Squad Against Athletic Club as Key Players Return to Electrify Camp Nou

Barcelona welcome Athletic Club on Saturday in what will mark a historic occasion for the club, as they return to compete at Camp Nou for the first time in 909 days.

Hansi Flick's squad returns to their true home following a 4–2 triumph against Celta Vigo in their previous outing. While Barcelona's offensive play appears threatening once more, recent displays have revealed significant defensive vulnerabilities that the German coach undoubtedly worked to address during the international window.

Despite Athletic Club's disappointing beginning to this campaign, Ernesto Valverde's team possesses several skilled players who could potentially disrupt Barça's homecoming celebration.

However, Flick's squad will receive a boost from goalkeeper Joan García's comeback, who will take his place between the posts after nearly two months sidelined with injury. Raphinha, who has also been absent from Barça's previous nine matches, is anticipated to feature as a substitute.

Nevertheless, Pedri's injury absence and Frenkie de Jong's suspension have weakened the Blaugrana's midfield options. Flick must find innovative solutions to ensure his team can manage without their regular central pairing on Saturday afternoon.

Here's how Barcelona might set up for their inaugural match at Camp Nou since the 2022–23 season conclusion.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)

GK: Joan García—Following his absence from Barcelona's previous nine fixtures, García will provide a crucial enhancement in goal, replacing the inconsistent Wojciech Szczęsny. He'll make his Camp Nou debut having never featured in a home match at Montjuic.

RB: Jules Koundé—Flick will hope the international pause allowed Koundé to regain his peak performance. The Frenchman has endured a below-par campaign thus far, with his starting position under scrutiny. His responsibility will be containing Nico Williams' influence.

CB: Eric García—No Barcelona player has accumulated more La Liga minutes this season than García. Whether deployed at right-back, center-back, or in midfield, he has maintained consistent quality throughout 2025.

CB: Pau Cubarsí—Cubarsí returned to the starting eleven against Celta Vigo after Flick benched him for two matches. He performed well for Spain during the break and will seek to build momentum with consecutive strong displays.

LB: Alejandro Balde—Balde featured in the final match ever played at Camp Nou and will do so again for its reopening. While he has been dependable, he must elevate his performance or risk missing next summer's World Cup selection.

CM: Marc Casadó—A minor issue forced Flick to substitute Casadó moments before kickoff against Celta. Now fully fit, he'll control Barça's midfield and must excel given the notable absences of Pedri and De Jong.

CM: Dani Olmo—Barcelona's unavailable midfielders combined with Flick's limited faith in Marc Bernal this season means Olmo could join the starting lineup, operating in a withdrawn role as he did versus Celta. Eric García represents another option for this position if Flick prioritizes defensive solidity.

RW: Lamine Yamal—Yamal received intensive treatment for his persistent pubalgia and missed Spain's international duty. He has resumed training and will aim to maintain his positive trajectory. This will be just his second career appearance at Camp Nou following his 2023 debut.

AM: Fermín López—The emerging playmaker has registered eight goal contributions across Barcelona's last five fixtures, demonstrating his elevated performance level this season.

LW: Ferran Torres—Marcus Rashford was absent from Barcelona's recent two training sessions due to illness and appears unlikely to recover in time. Ferran Torres, who recently entered Spain's all-time top 10 scorers list, will take his place on the left flank.

ST: Robert Lewandowski—A hat-trick versus Celta in his first start after more than a month confirmed Lewandowski remains fully capable of spearheading Barça's attack regardless of his age.