No pitch laid at Montjuic Stadium one week before Barcelona vs Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Despite there being optimism about a potential return to Spotify Camp Nou next week, recent reports suggest that FC Barcelona will have to wait longer.

Instead, next week’s La Liga home game against Real Sociedad is likely to be played at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic.

It has already been confirmed as the venue for the UEFA Champions League home game against PSG on 1 October, and could also end up hosting Sociedad three days before on 28 September.

No grass at the stadium yet

However, with one week left before the Barcelona – Real Sociedad fixture, the pitch has not yet been replanted and there is no grass, reports Mundo Deportivo.

The process to prepare the playing surface at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys has been underway for a few days, following the Post Malone concert on 12 September. But the pitch has not yet been relaid, and further work is still needed before a return is possible.

Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys is being readied to host games again. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Further tasks also include reinstalling turnstiles at the entrances, replacing several seats, and restoring the VAR system, which was removed at the end of last season.

All of this is being done against the clock, but with sufficient time to ensure Montjuic is ready.

With a return to Camp Nou being delayed, Barcelona used Estadi Johan Cruyff for their game against Valencia and will again play there tomorrow vs Getafe.

However, Montjuic is seen as the most logical option to host Real Sociedad next weekend, despite access issues caused by its clash with the Piromusical de la Mercè.

The reasons are both seating capacity and the fact that Barcelona would need to request another special exemption from La Liga to stage a further match at Estadi Johan Cruyff.

Barcelona remain confident that Montjuic will be ready for the Sociedad game, while still awaiting the final works certificate for the Spotify Camp Nou.