Key Barcelona star set for rest in Copa del Rey clash; veteran ace to replace him | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will take on CD Guadalajara in the Round of 32 of the 2025/26 Copa del Rey on Tuesday night, hoping to continue their winning momentum.

However, given the packed fixture schedule, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is expected to make some major rotations for the game and rest some of his key players for the cup tie.

Joan Garcia will be given a breather; Szczesny to start

As such, Javi Miguel of AS reports that key Barcelona star and first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia will be rested by the manager against Guadalajara.

The 24-year-old summer arrival will either be left on the bench or might not even travel with the rest of the squad for the Copa del Rey encounter.

So far, Garcia has played 14 matches in all competitions in his debut season for Barcelona, proving to be an excellent piece of business with his crucial saves. And after a run of games since his return from injury, the Spaniard will get a rest on Tuesday.

Szczesny to start in goal. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Now, the main question is who the German coach will choose to start in goal for the Copa opener, with Garcia in line for a rest.

And, as per the report, it is Wojciech Szczesny who will get the nod over first captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal in the cup tie.

The 35-year-old veteran missed the weekend clash against Osasuna due to gastroenteritis, which led to speculations that Ter Stegen could make his first appearance of the season in the cup game.

However, the Polish goalkeeper trained normally on Sunday morning, having recovered fully from his indisposition, putting him as the frontrunner to replace Garcia in goal.

A clearer picture should emerge during Flick’s press conference later today, but as things stand, Szczesny looks like the one who will feature against Guadalajara.