Official: Barcelona announce squad for Copa del Rey Round of 32 clash with CD Guadalajara | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to begin the defence of their Copa del Rey title tonight as they kick off their campaign with a Round of 32 clash against Primera Federación side CD Guadalajara at the Pedro Escartín Stadium.

As the defending champions and the most successful club in the tournament’s history with 32 titles, the Catalan giants are clear favourites to progress to the Round of 16.

Given the demands of the season and the level of the opposition, Hansi Flick could use the opportunity to rest some key players and give youngsters valuable minutes.

Barcelona have released their 23-man squad list for the match, and it closely mirrors the one used against Osasuna, with just one change.

Wojciech Szczesny returns after being medically cleared following a bout of gastroenteritis and replaces Diego Kochen. The Polish goalkeeper missed the previous match but is now fully fit and available for selection.

Flick had already confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Joan Garcia would be rested. While the young goalkeeper will travel with the squad, he is not expected to start. This leaves Flick with an interesting decision in goal.

Garcia has been the undisputed choice in La Liga and the Champions League, but for the Copa del Rey the German coach can also turn to Marc Andre ter Stegen, who has recently returned after a four and a half month absence due to a lumbar injury. Szczesny’s return further increases competition in the position.

Barcelona remain without three key players. Gavi continues his recovery from a knee injury, Dani Olmo is sidelined with a shoulder problem and is targeting a return in January for the away league match against Espanyol, while Ronald Araujo remains unavailable due to mental health reasons.

The match also represents an opportunity for players who have featured less prominently in recent weeks to stake a claim. Roony Bardghji, Andreas Christensen, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal could all see increased minutes, while Frenkie de Jong, who has started the last three matches on the bench, is a strong candidate to return to the starting lineup.

FC Barcelona squad for CD Guadalajara

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards