Barcelona's Icon Bids Farewell: Injury Updates and Bold Lineup Predictions Ahead of Valencia Clash

Barcelona's Icon Bids Farewell: Injury Updates and Bold Lineup Predictions Ahead of Valencia Clash

Barcelona take to the field for the last time in 2025–26 when they travel to Valencia on Saturday evening looking to close out the season on a positive note.

The prospect of becoming only the third Centurions in La Liga history is no longer on the table for Hansi Flick's side, but the Spanish champions will be determined to put the finishing touches on what remains a record-setting league campaign.

As the curtain falls on another commanding domestic season, Barcelona will want to head into the summer break with a victory and sign off on 2025–26 with their 32nd La Liga triumph in 38 matches.

Flick Expected to Rotate

Frenkie de Jong

Flick fielded his strongest starting XI in the previous outing against Real Betis as Barcelona successfully sought to wrap up the season with a flawless home record. However, with the title already secured, the German coach opted for a rotated squad in Barça's most recent away fixture, which ended in defeat against Alavés. A similar approach could be anticipated on Saturday.

Injuries remain a concern for Barça, with Lamine Yamal still on the sidelines, while a fresh blow comes in the shape of Fermín López, who sustained a serious foot injury against Betis that will rule him out of his first career World Cup appearance this summer.

Frenkie de Jong, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford all experienced fitness concerns in recent days, but all three returned to training and should be available for Saturday. Nevertheless, Robert Lewandowski is set to lead the attack one final time as he bids farewell to the Blaugrana jersey.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Valencia

Barcelona lineup

GK: Joan García—Flick confirmed García would start the final two matches of the season as he looks to keep a clean sheet that could secure the first Zamora Trophy of his career.

RB: Ronald Araújo—Barcelona's skipper will earn the starting spot in the season finale. It's been a turbulent campaign for the Uruguayan international, who will be eager to bounce back next term ... if he remains at the club.

CB: Eric García—The versatile Spaniard has enjoyed the finest season of his Barcelona career so far. He'll slot back into his natural role at the heart of defense given that Flick has predominantly used Araújo at right back in recent months, while also giving Pau Cubarsí a breather.

CB: Gerard Martín—The standout revelation of Barcelona's season will start in the position he has made his own this term. Martín's emergence may have even reshaped Barça's priorities in the transfer market.

LB: João Cancelo—What a shrewd winter acquisition Cancelo has proven to be. He arrived with plenty of doubts surrounding him, but now it appears the Catalans will go to great lengths to retain him beyond the expiry of his loan deal.

DM: Frenkie de Jong—Between injuries and a prolonged illness, De Jong has been largely absent over the past three months. The Dutchman has confirmed he's back to full fitness and could make his first start since Feb. 21.

DM: Marc Bernal—Bernal will line up alongside De Jong to give Pedri a well-earned rest—much to the delight of Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente. It's been an encouraging season for Bernal, who has returned from an ACL injury with consistent flashes of his remarkable potential.

RW: Raphinha—The Brazilian netted a brace against Betis and reminded Barcelona of exactly what they lacked during the crucial stages of the campaign, particularly in Europe. Raphinha will fill Yamal's vacant role on the right flank.

AM: Dani Olmo—López's injury could inadvertently work in Olmo's favor, potentially restoring him as the undisputed No. 10 for Spain in a major tournament, much as he was at Euro 2024. The elegant playmaker has the ability to be a game-changer for La Roja this summer.

LW: Marcus Rashford—This could be Rashford's last appearance in a Blaugrana shirt regardless of his own and the club's desire for him to remain. Amid considerable uncertainty, the Englishman will be eager to add to his impressive tally of 28 goal contributions this season.

ST: Robert Lewandowski—With Torres only just returning from injury, Lewandowski will spearhead the attack in his final appearance for the club. Following an emotional send-off, the Barça legend will be targeting a brace to extend his extraordinary streak of 14 consecutive seasons scoring at least 20 goals.

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