Already set – Barcelona’s starting XI for La Liga opener against Mallorca | OneFootball

According to Mundo Deportivo journalist Javier Gascon, Barcelona’s starting XI for their La Liga opener against Mallorca is beginning to take shape.

The Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Como offered a glimpse into Hansi Flick’s preferred line-up, even if some final decisions will depend on registrations and player fitness.

Joan Garcia, the summer signing from Espanyol, is expected to start in goal, provided his registration is completed in time. In defence, Pau Cubarsi has emerged as the new leader, stepping into the void left by Inigo Martinez’s move to Al Nassr.

Although right-footed, Cubarsi will operate on the left side, just as he did against Como, and he will be accompanied by club captain Ronald Araujo.

Alongside them, several regulars from pre-season are almost guaranteed starters. Lamine Yamal joins Raphinha, Araujo, and Alejandro Balde. Pedri also features in that group.

From there, selection will depend on tactical plans, injuries, and player recovery.

Injury concerns and final selection decisions

Barcelona are working on Joan Garcia’s registration. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Taking into account pre-season minutes, Flick’s patterns from last season, and current fitness levels, the expected XI against Mallorca could be:

Garcia; Kounde/Eric Garcia; Araujo; Cubarsi; Balde; Frenkie de Jong; Pedri; Lamine Yamal; Fermin Lopez; Raphinha; and Ferran Torres.

Robert Lewandowski is set to miss the match after suffering a hamstring injury, while Marcus Rashford, who played as centre-forward at the Gamper, might not feature due to lower registration priority compared to Joan Garcia.

Ferran Torres has Flick’s trust, and his early substitution against Como was likely linked to discomfort carried over from the Asian tour.

Dani Olmo, unavailable for the Gamper due to muscle overload, could return, but caution is advised given his injury history.

Fermin Lopez, fresh from scoring twice against Como, has strengthened his case for a starting role, potentially keeping Olmo on the bench for the opener.

With several positions still dependent on fitness and registrations, Flick’s final XI could see minor tweaks, but the core of his strategy for the season is already visible.