FC Barcelona’s Squad List For Valencia Has Huge Last Minute Absence

FC Barcelona’s squad list for a key La Liga clash with Valencia had a huge last minute surprise absence when published early on Sunday afternoon in Catalonia, around eight hours before kick off.

Furthermore, in quick succession, the club also confirmed that the player in question will be out of action in Montjuic.

During a prematch press conference on Saturday to preview the tie, Flick confirmed that his midfielder Pedri wouldn’t start the proceedings against a relegation zone-lingering foe.

AS expected him to alongside Frenkie de Jong in a double pivot, though, with the Spain international currently believed to be in the form of his life.

Pedri appears to have finally gotten over the constant niggles and injuries that have meant he hasn’t had an uninterrupted season since breaking out in 2020/2021 alongside Lionel Messi and under Ronald Koeman.

Culers needn’t worry too much, however, in fear that Pedri has perhaps become sidelined with something serious at a crucial part of the campaign.

Mundo Deportivo’s Fernando Polo first reported that the Tenerife native “had a bad night”, with the club later announcing that Pedri “misses today’s game due to gastroenitis”.

The Euro 2024 winner should hopefully have recovered for Wednesday’s last Champions League league phase meeting with Europa League holders Atalanta, where more than $50 million is on the line for the Catalans.

Back to Valencia, though, we should perhaps expect De Jong to partner Marc Casado in the double pivot with Fermin Lopez the CAM.

Alternatively, Casado could still be given a rest while Gavi plays and drops deeper than usual alongside the Dutchman.

Elsewhere in the squad list, you could perhaps say there are other surprises because of Ansu Fati continuing to make the cut and Andreas Christensen following suit.

The number 10 missed four call ups for the Spanish Super Cup and La Liga at the turn of 2025, but he’s now been involved in the last two amid Flick saying he wanted to see more effort from the Lamine Yamal of his era.

We mustn’t forget that Fati is most probably being included because of Dani Olmo’s calf problems, however.