BILBAO, Spain – FC Barcelona will have Robert Lewandowski back in the squad for Saturday’s La Liga match against Athletic Club at San Mamés, but the team will also travel with young midfielder Gavi despite him not yet being medically cleared to play. The inclusion of Gavi, a popular figure in the dressing room, is intended to provide a morale boost as Barcelona prepares for a demanding stretch of fixtures that includes a Champions League tie against Newcastle United.
Lewandowski missed Barcelona’s Copa del Rey match against Atlético Madrid earlier this week due to a trauma to his left eye, but has recovered sufficiently to feature against Athletic Club. Eric García also returns to the squad after serving a suspension. The return of these key players is a welcome sight for coach Hansi Flick, particularly given the recent injury setbacks the team has faced.
However, Barcelona will be without Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde, both of whom suffered tears in their left biceps femoris during Tuesday’s Copa del Rey victory. Flick acknowledged that injuries are a common occurrence during a busy schedule, stating that the team will need to manage the situation and provide opportunities for other players. “It gives other players the opportunity,” Flick said, according to FC Barcelona’s official website.
To cover for the absences of Koundé and Balde, B-team players Xavi Espart and Álvaro Cortés have been called up to the first team squad. Espart is a promising right-back, while Cortés is a versatile defender capable of playing on the left side of central defense.
Gavi’s presence, while not on the pitch, is seen as a significant positive for the team. He remains approximately three weeks away from receiving medical clearance, but his inclusion in the traveling squad is a deliberate move by Flick to lift spirits ahead of the crucial matches against Athletic Club and Newcastle. The team will travel directly from Bilbao to England following the La Liga contest.
Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen will not travel with the squad due to their own injury concerns. Barcelona currently holds a four-point lead over Real Madrid in the La Liga standings, and a positive result at San Mamés would strengthen their position in the title race. However, Flick cautioned that the season is far from over. “The points are significant, but not decisive yet,” he said. “There is still a long way to go until the end of May.”
San Mamés is known as a difficult venue for visiting teams, and Flick emphasized that Athletic Club is a different proposition on their home ground. “Athletic a different team at home,” Flick stated. “They have a fantastic team.” He added that his team is in good spirits, with a positive atmosphere and strong performances in training.
Barcelona’s squad for the match includes Joan, Szczesny, Cancelo, Araújo, Cubarsí, Eric, Gerard, Bernal, Casadó, Pedri, Fermín, Olmo, Lamine, Lewandowski, Ferran, Raphinha, Rashford, Roony, Kochen, Cortés, Tommy and Espart.
Kick-off at San Mamés is scheduled for 21:00 local time (9:00 PM CET) on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Barcelona will then turn their attention to Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Newcastle United, a match that will test their European ambitions.
The team’s focus remains on securing three points in Bilbao and maintaining their lead at the top of La Liga. The return of Lewandowski and García provides a significant boost, while Gavi’s presence serves as a reminder of the team’s unity and determination.
Barcelona fans will be hoping for a strong performance against Athletic Club, setting the stage for a successful week that could see them solidify their position in both domestic and European competitions.
Next up for Barcelona is their Champions League clash with Newcastle United on Tuesday, March 10th. Stay tuned to Archysport for full coverage of that match and all the latest news from the world of football.
