Barcelona returns to domestic action on Saturday seeking to extend an unblemished start to the La Liga campaign when the Catalan club welcomes Getafe to Camp Nou.
Manager Hansi Flick’s squad sits atop the Spanish league table after collecting victories in all seven opening matches, highlighted by high-scoring displays including a 5-0 rout of Valencia, a 7-2 win over Racing Santander and a 3-1 victory against Sevilla. However, Saturday’s kickoff presents an early test of squad depth following the recent international break.
Jesus steps in for injured Raphinha
Barcelona will navigate the fixture without captain Raphinha, who suffered a right hamstring injury while playing with the Brazilian national team. The setback halts an exceptional run for the winger, who has scored 12 goals across all competitions this season. Flick confirmed that the forward will miss Saturday’s contest as well as Tuesday’s Champions League visit to Galatasaray, Barca Universal reported.
In Raphinha’s place, summer signing Gabriel Jesus is projected to make his first start for Barcelona as the focal point in attack. The former Arsenal striker joined the club late in the transfer window and has managed two goals in limited minutes while working back to full fitness. According to Spanish outlet SPORT, as cited by Barca Universal, Jesus underwent a three-week specialized conditioning program during the international window. Barcelona staff members believe the forward is now capable of logging roughly 60 minutes of action as the club enters a congested October schedule.
Lineup choices across the pitch
Flick faces several personnel decisions throughout the remainder of his squad. In goal, Joan García has rejoined group training after dealing with a knee issue that sidelined him against Sevilla and through the international fixtures. Sports Illustrated reported that García is expected to step back into the starting role, while The Football Faithful noted that Flick could still evaluate Dominik Livaković or Wojciech Szczęsny between the posts.
Along the defensive back line, Pau Cubarsí enters the weekend riding a personal 16-match winning streak across club and national team appearances, Sports Illustrated reported. Cubarsí is expected to partner Gerard Martín in central defense, with Andreas Christensen remaining sidelined alongside long-term absentees Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji. At fullback, 19-year-old Xavi Espart could see playing time after agreeing to a contract extension through 2030, while Jules Koundé may step in on the right if Flick chooses to rest Eric García following minor knee discomfort reported with Spain.
In attack and midfield, Barcelona leans on several players coming off productive international stints. Winger Anthony Gordon scored in all three appearances for England during the break, Sports Illustrated reported, while Lamine Yamal enters the weekend with 19 goal involvements over his previous 10 matches for club and country. Pedri and Rodri are expected to control the tempo in central midfield, with Fermín López competing for an attacking role.
Getafe missing key attacking option
Getafe arrives in Catalonia struggling for offensive output, having found the net only four times in seven league games this season. The visitors will also be short-handed up front after striker Enes Ünal was ruled out because of a minor injury, OneFootball reported, citing journalist Álvaro Ramos. Getafe chose to hold Ünal out to avoid aggravating the condition.
Barcelona will look to preserve its perfect domestic record before shifting focus to European play in Turkey against Galatasaray on Tuesday. Getafe is scheduled to return to La Liga play on Monday against Rayo Vallecano, with Ünal’s availability for that fixture still undetermined.
