Barcelona travel to Valencia with 24-man squad for Levante clash
FC Barcelona have flown to Valencia this Saturday with a 24-player squad for their LaLiga meeting with Levante at the Ciutat de València. Hansi Flick welcomes back Eric Garcia after his European suspension, though he will have to cut one name before kick-off. The objective is clear: stay alone at the top of the table and extend their perfect start to the league season.
ByMatt
4 min read
FC Barcelona have taken off for Valencia this afternoon with 24 players in their squad to visit Levante, in a match where they will defend their outright lead in LaLiga. Hansi Flick has called up every available member of the first team, with only Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardaghji missing through injury, while youngster Jesse Bisiwu will join the B team for their fixture against UD Logroñés.
- Barcelona head into their fifth league match with a perfect record and sole possession of first place.
- Hansi Flick travels with 24 players and must drop one before naming his line-up.
- Eric Garcia returns from a Champions League suspension and will play with a protective mask.
- Jesse Bisiwu reinforces Barça Atlètic, who visit UD Logroñés on Sunday.
- The match against Levante kicks off at 16:15 at the Ciutat de València.
Flick takes every available player to Valencia
The German coach has chosen to bring his entire available squad to the Ciutat de València. De Jong and Bardaghji remain sidelined through physical problems, while Bisiwu has a different assignment: the winger will boost Barça Atlètic, who head into their meeting with Logroñés after opening the season with a 5-0 win over Náxara.
Eric Garcia returns with a mask after his Champions League ban
One of the standout names in the list is the return of Eric Garcia. The Martorell-born centre-back missed the European opener against Feyenoord through suspension and is now back at Flick's disposal. He will, however, wear facial protection after an accidental blow to the head at Mestalla forced him off early.
Barcelona's plan in the Turia capital
The Barcelona party is scheduled to land in Valencia just after 19:30. From the airport, the squad will head straight to the Westin hotel, the usual base when the team travels to the city. They will remain there until Sunday's match.
What Barcelona have at stake against Levante
The game at the Ciutat de València carries a double value for the Catalan side. On one hand, keeping their place as outright LaLiga leaders; on the other, extending an immaculate start of four wins from four matches, three of them by five-goal margins. It is the best possible opening to the Flick project and a test of consistency away from home.
Levante vs Barcelona kick-off time and stakes
Levante and FC Barcelona will meet on Sunday at 16:15 at the Ciutat de València, on matchday five of the Spanish top flight. Flick's side will be chasing a fifth consecutive victory to remain in command of the table.
Frequently asked questions
How many players are in Barcelona's squad for the Levante match?
Hansi Flick has named 24 players for the trip to Valencia. Since that includes every available member of the squad, the coach will have to leave one out when he announces his starting line-up.
Why will Eric Garcia wear a mask against Levante?
Eric Garcia took an accidental blow to the head at Mestalla that forced him off before the end of the match. He is back after a Champions League suspension and will use a protective mask to reduce any risk to the affected area.
What time do Levante and Barcelona play and what is on the line?
The match kicks off on Sunday at 16:15 at the Ciutat de València. Barcelona are defending their outright lead in LaLiga and aiming for a fifth straight win in a start to the season that has produced a perfect record.