Barcelona has announced the squad of 23 players traveling to Elche for the league match, leaving out left‑back Alejandro Balde and several players with exit doubts. Coach Hansi Flick has called up new signings and academy players, while Balde’s future remains uncertain after hints of a possible departure.

Absences and Balde’s uncertainty

Flick hinted yesterday that the defender could leave in the last ten days of the market when asked about the possibility: "It’s a difficult question because he has enormous quality and it’s important to know if a player is convinced to compete in his position." With his absence for Elche, the chances of Balde staying at Barça seem to shrink. The left‑back is being considered by Manchester United, Aston Villa and Benfica, though the latter lacks financial solvency and a Champions League spot.

The selected squad

The call‑up includes 23 players, among whom the new signings of the season stand out: Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Joao Cancelo. Rodri, the World Cup Ballon d’Or winner, is also included but will not train with the group until tomorrow, Monday.

Goalkeepers: Joan García, Szczesny, Eder Aller.

Defenders: Cancelo, Cubarsí, Christensen, Gerard Martín, Koundé, Eric García, Xavi Espart, Pesquer, Cortés.

Midfielders: Gavi, Fermín, Pedri, Olmo, Bernal, Fariñas.

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Adeyemi, Gordon, Hamza.

Additionally, Flick has called up five academy players: Xavi Espart, Pesquer, Fariñas, Cortés, Hamza and Eder Aller.

Logistical details

Barcelona departs for Elche this afternoon by plane and will return to the Catalan capital after the match. The squad is staying at the Port Elche hotel, where they will prepare before kickoff.

Known absences are Héctor Fort and Casadó, who are looking for a exit in the final stretch of the summer market, and the injured De Jong and Roony Bardghji, who remain in the infirmary. Jesse Bisiwu is also excluded, as he has not yet received LaLiga approval due to visa paperwork.

With the squad announced, Barcelona is ready to compete in the 2026‑27 LaLiga, hoping to secure a third consecutive title by beating Elche.