Official: Barcelona squad list to face Elche; superster duo returns | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have officially confirmed their matchday squad to face Elche, with two key names, Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski, both receiving medical clearance ahead of the encounter.

As La Liga reaches matchday 11, Barcelona find themselves in a must-win situation. 

The Catalan giants are desperate to close the eight-point gap to Real Madrid and reclaim second place in the league standings, currently occupied by Villarreal after their 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano.

Once again, youth takes centre stage for Hansi Flick’s side. 

The German coach has included young goalkeepers Diego Kochen and Eder Aller, along with academy talents Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez and Xavi Espart, who will start on the bench. 

The major boost, however, comes with the return of Lewandowski and Olmo, both of whom have been medically cleared after missing the club’s last three fixtures against Girona, Olympiacos, and Real Madrid. 

Their comeback is expected to bring much-needed experience and cutting-edge to Barcelona’s attack.

Despite this positive news, Barcelona’s injury troubles are far from over. The absence of Pedri, who sustained a muscle injury during the recent El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, remains a major setback. 

The midfielder has often been described as the engine of this Barça, and his creativity and composure will be sorely missed in the middle of the park.

Furthermore, despite physical limitations, Lamine Yamal has been named in the squad too.

With key stars returning and young talents stepping up, Barcelona will look to deliver a commanding performance at Montjuïc, where nothing short of three points will do if they are to maintain pressure on league leaders Real Madrid.