Raphinha and goalkeeper Joan García have returned from injury just in time for Barcelona’s long-awaited return to Camp Nou, their first match at the iconic venue in more than two years.

Head coach Hansi Flick confirmed that García will start against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, while Raphinha will begin on the bench as he continues to regain full match fitness.

Barcelona are targeting a crucial win to stay in the thick of the La Liga title race before they travel to London to face Chelsea in the Champions League next week. Heading into Round 13, Barça trail leaders Real Madrid by three points, with Xabi Alonso’s side scheduled to visit Elche on Sunday.

A big weekend of key matches

Alongside the excitement surrounding Camp Nou’s partial reopening, some of the weekend’s best football may unfold in southern Spain.

Elche, the surprise package of the season, have exceeded expectations. The newly promoted side, with a relatively modest squad, have lost only three of their 12 matches so far and sit comfortably in 11th place.

Meanwhile, third-placed Villarreal host Mallorca on Saturday, sitting just two points behind Barcelona. Fourth-placed Atlético Madrid will travel to Getafe on Sunday.

Both Raphinha and García have been sidelined for nearly two months with leg injuries, making their return highly anticipated.

Midfielder Pedri González could also be back soon. Flick revealed that the young star may recover from a muscle tear in his left thigh in time for Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Chelsea.

Over in Madrid, Kylian Mbappé has resumed full training after missing France’s last match due to ankle inflammation. Madrid released footage of him sprinting and scoring freely during Friday’s practice.

Real Madrid continue to struggle in defence as Éder Militão joins Antonio Rüdiger on the injury list after suffering a left thigh injury on Brazil duty.

Barcelona will be without suspended midfielder Frenkie de Jong. With Pedri also unavailable, Flick may turn to Dani Olmo, Fermín López, and Marc Casadó to anchor the midfield.

Camp Nou’s grand return

Saturday marks Barcelona’s first match at Camp Nou since May 2023, prior to renovations that forced the club to relocate to the city’s Olympic Stadium.

The reopening will be partial, with 45,401 seats available, roughly half of the stadium’s previous capacity. Once renovations are complete, the new Camp Nou will accommodate 105,000 fans.

“We’re happy to be back, and I hope this gives us an extra push with the supporters so close,” Flick said on Friday. “Their energy always lifts us, and it’s special to see the connection between the team and the fans.”

Earlier this month, more than 20,000 supporters attended Barça’s first training session back at Camp Nou, underlining the excitement surrounding the team’s homecoming.

(By PTI Inputs)