FC Barcelona will face Rayo Vallecano in the third round of the Spanish LaLiga on August 27. Hansi Flick's team is already preparing for the match, with the exception of five key players who will force the German coach to readjust his approach, in a match that they will play away in Vallecas.
The most significant absence will be that of Gavi. The 20-year-old midfielder will be the most important absence in Flick's team. Although the Los Palacios y Villafranca player has already returned to training, he is not expected to be called up until at least October. The young player suffered a serious knee injury in November 2023 and although his recovery is quite positive, no one at the club wants to risk a relapse. His absence leaves a void in the midfield that must be filled by other players.
The other 4 players who will be absent against Rayo
The second player who will be absent in Vallecas is Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder is still out of training after suffering an ankle injury. The player is one of the most important pieces in Flick's scheme, but his prolonged absence will cause him more problems in the midfield. Ansu Fati will also be unavailable, suffering from plantar fasciitis, whose recovery time is not yet 100% defined because the return to the field of play is different for each player.
Ronald Araújo will also be out against Rayo and many other rivals. The Uruguayan will be off the field until November or December due to a serious muscle injury. The Uruguayan is joined by Andreas Christensen, who will not be able to play for two months due to tendinopathy in the left Achilles. Curiously, it will be the Dane's absence that will allow Dani Olmo to register. In fact, LaLiga has already approved his registration in the tournament and the Terrassa native will be available to play in Vallecas. There are no suspensions for this match, but the absences will be significant, so Flick will have to continue working his magic to succeed as a visitor, especially since they are the only big team to have six points this season.