Yamal Returns as Barcelona Announce Squad for Real Sociedad Clash
FC Barcelona have the opportunity to climb to the top of the La Liga standings when they take on Real Sociedad at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys later today. The Catalans trail leaders Real Madrid by two points, but Saturday’s 5-2 defeat for Los Blancos against Atletico Madrid has opened the door for Hansi Flick’s men.
The Barcelona head coach has announced his squad for the fixture, with the return of teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal the headline news. The 18-year-old has been declared fit after overcoming pubic discomfort, having missed the last four matches.
However, fellow La Masia graduate Alejandro Balde has not received medical clearance despite taking part in group training this week. In midfield, Marc Casado is included after easing concerns over a knock sustained in training on Saturday.
Barcelona will continue to cope without several key players, with Gavi, Joan Garcia, Raphinha, Fermín López, and Marc-André ter Stegen all sidelined through injury. To bolster the squad, goalkeeper Diego Kochen has returned from U.S. U-20 World Cup duty in Chile following Garcia’s setback.
Flick has also named several youngsters in the traveling party, including Eder Aller, Toni Fernandez, Dro, and Roony Bardghji, underlining the reliance on emerging talent during this injury-hit period.
With Real Madrid slipping, victory over La Real would propel Barcelona to the summit — a statement Flick’s side will be eager to deliver in front of their home supporters.
