Champions League kicks off: Barcelona host Feyenoord missing three players

Squad missing three players

FC Barcelona kick off their new Champions League campaign on Wednesday at 18:45 local time at the Spotify Camp Nou, hosting Dutch side Feyenoord. Coach Hansi Flick has named a 23-player squad — the maximum allowed — but it is missing three footballers: injured players Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji, and suspended defender Eric Garcia, who is serving a ban carried over from last season's quarter-final red card against Atletico Madrid.

Swedish forward Bardghji continues to recover from a serious injury sustained in training in early August. De Jong's situation looks more promising — ahead of the match, Flick told reporters that the injury recovery is following the planned schedule and the Dutchman could return after the international break. Garcia, who will play against Levante on Sunday wearing a protective mask following a fractured nose, is absent due to suspension.

All six summer signings — Livakovic, Joao Cancelo, Rodri, Adeyemi, Gordon and Gabriel Jesus — have been named in a Champions League squad for the first time. All of them, except Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic, who serves as backup to Joan Garcia, could make their tournament debut. The only Barça Atlètic player included is Hamza Abdelkarim, while Bisiwu, who already has bureaucratic clearance to play in LaLiga, was left out of the European squad and will play for the reserve team.

Flick trusts the squad's quality

At Tuesday's press conference, Flick acknowledged that winning the Champions League is the season's main goal. "I think in the end all big clubs dream of winning it. We have the quality to win it, but we have to prove it, and the road is long," said the German coach. He stressed that the squad has many experienced players who carry the responsibility of winning trophies, and that a third LaLiga title would also be a major achievement.

Flick praised captain Lamine Yamal, highlighting his ability to decide matches on his own and his growing leadership role. The 19-year-old player himself said: "There is no greater motivation than the Champions League. It's the most special competition, we are all excited." As reported by OneFootball, Camp Nou has gone eleven years without lifting the Champions League trophy, and this season's strong domestic form has raised expectations further.

The opponent: Feyenoord

Feyenoord, coached by Giovanni van Bronckhorst, are looking to regain international relevance after PSV's recent domestic dominance. According to Marca, the Dutch club has lost attacking power after selling key players but has reinforced its squad with additions such as Nacho Ferri, Mika Marmol and Javi Lopez, alongside young forward Shaqueel van Persie. Feyenoord's approach relies on a disciplined defensive structure and quick counterattacks after absorbing pressure. Barcelona are considered favourites given their strong start to the LaLiga season.