Barcelona Boosted by Midfield Reinforcements Ahead of Espanyol Derby
FC Barcelona have confirmed their 23-man squad for Saturday’s Catalan derby against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, with the return of Pedri and Dani Olmo providing a timely lift for Xavi’s side.
Pedri and Olmo Back in Contention
Pedri, the gifted playmaker from the Canary Islands, missed the midweek clash with Villarreal due to muscular discomfort but has now been declared fit. His creativity and control in midfield will be vital as Barça look to dictate the tempo in a high-pressure derby.
Meanwhile, Dani Olmo, who dislocated his left shoulder against Atlético Madrid on 2 December, has completed his recovery and rejoined the squad. The Catalan-born midfielder’s versatility and attacking drive add another dimension to Barcelona’s options in the middle of the park.
Key Absentees
Despite the positive news, Barcelona remain without several influential figures. Centre-backs Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen are unavailable, leaving defensive responsibilities to Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia. Midfield dynamo Gavi also continues his rehabilitation, meaning the team will rely heavily on Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Olmo to provide balance and creativity.
Confirmed Squad List
- Goalkeepers: Ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Szczesny
- Defenders: Balde, Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Kounde, Eric Garcia, Jofre Torrents
- Midfielders: Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado, Olmo, De Jong, Bernal, Dro, Tommy Marques
- Forwards: Ferran Torres, Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford, Roony
Tactical Outlook
With Pedri and Olmo back, Barcelona are expected to field a more fluid midfield, capable of linking play with their dynamic front line of Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha. The inclusion of Marcus Rashford, a surprising addition to the squad list, suggests Barça may experiment with attacking combinations to exploit Espanyol’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Espanyol, buoyed by home advantage, will look to frustrate their rivals, but Barcelona’s depth and technical quality could prove decisive. Victory would not only secure local bragging rights but also strengthen Barça’s push in LaLiga’s title race.