Valverde gets double boost with Sancet’s return and Nico Williams’ availability vs Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to return to the Spotify Camp Nou after two and a half years away. The Catalan club has spent the past two seasons at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, and the homecoming is one that supporters have eagerly awaited.

Athletic Club will be the first visitors to the renovated stadium. Ernesto Valverde’s side is always competitive and regularly fights for Champions League positions. They will travel to Barcelona determined to take all three points.

Furthermore, according to Mundo Deportivo, Athletic Club have received a significant boost ahead of the match. Two players who had been doubtful for the trip, Sancet and Nico Williams, have both been cleared to take part and are included in the squad list to face Hansi Flick’s team.

Sancet returns after missing the last two games with a muscle problem. Nico Williams had asked to be substituted against Real Oviedo after experiencing discomfort in his groin and later withdrew from Spain’s international fixtures.

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Nico continues to manage pubalgia, the same issue affecting Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, although he remains involved with the Athletic Club squad.

Valverde also welcomes back Galarreta, who returns after a brief illness, and Lekue, who has served his two-match suspension following a red card against Getafe.

However, Inaki Williams is still unavailable as he recovers from a serious muscle injury suffered one month ago. Maroan, Prados, and Egiluz are also out and will not make the trip to Camp Nou.

Sancet and Nico are vital players for Athletic Club when fit, and Ernesto Valverde must now decide whether to start them or keep them in reserve. Regardless of who lines up for the visitors, FC Barcelona’s focus will be on securing the victory and making their return to Spotify Camp Nou a successful one.