Mallorca vs Barça: Preview

Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images Barça begin the biggest month of their season with several absences and a tough league trip RCD Mallorca (10th, 8pts) vs FC Barcelona (2nd, 16pts)* *Points and positions at the time of writing on Friday Competition/Round: 2022-23 La Liga, Matchday 7 Barcelona Outs & Doubts: Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay,...

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Athletic boss responds to Inigo to Barca rumors

Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images The defender has been linked with a Camp Nou move Athletic president Jon Uriarte has played down talk of defender Inigo Martinez moving to Barcelona in the summer. The rumor mill has been convinced the Catalans will go for the 31-year-old despite signing Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde recently. There was also talk about a...

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Xavi talks injuries, Casado, Ansu and right-backs

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images Check out the latest from the Barcelona boss Barcelona boss Xavi spoke to reporters on Friday to preview his team’s La Liga clash against Real Mallorca. The Catalans are back in action after the international break but will be without several key players due to injury. Xavi spoke about his injured players, his options at right-back and...

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Lewandowski advises Barca to target Jakub Kiwior - report

Photo by Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images The striker has been impressed Robert Lewandowski has apparently become an Italian football scout, according to reporting from Tuttosport. The Polish striker has reportedly advised Barcelona to keep an eye on and target Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior. The defender plays with Lewy on the Polish national team and has made a pretty...

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Juventus keen on signing Jordi Alba in January - report

Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images The left-back has been benched by Xavi this season After becoming pretty friendly with the bench at Barcelona this year, Jordi Alba is reportedly on the wishlist for Juventus in the winter window. The Spanish left-back has fallen down the pecking order of full-backs when all are healthy at Barca, and a move to Serie...

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Premier League vs La Liga All-Star game planned - report

Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images The idea is being talked about Plans are reportedly being put in place which would see a Premier League All Star XI take on a La Liga All Star team. The Times are reporting that “plans for All-Star games are set to be revived” with a Premier League team potentially set to take on sides from La Liga, the Bundesliga, and maybe more...

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Man City will listen to offers over €90m for Bernardo - report

Photo by Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images The Portuguese star is seen as still unsettled over his future Manchester City are set for contract renewal talks with Bernardo Silva, whose future is considered unsettled. And they will listen to offers starting at 80 million pounds, which is about 90 million euros for the midfielder, according...

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Where would Lionel Messi play in Xavi’s Barcelona?

Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images The rumors suggest it could happen It’s far from assured, but the rumblings have started and the rumors keep increasing. A return to FC Barcelona for Lionel Messi after a two-year absence. It’s certainly possible once the Argentine star finishes his two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain. Relationships will have to be mended,...

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Barcelona see Ruben Neves as Sergio Busquets’s replacement - report

Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images Martín Zubimendi is another highly rumored option FC Barcelona are targeting Ruben Neves as the replacement for veteran Sergio Busquets, after the latter is seen as likely to leave next summer. According to the latest from the gossip pages, Neves would come at a fair price from Wolverhampton Wanderers FC while Martín Zubimendi’s...

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Xavi calls up Marc Casado to training amid injury crisis

Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images The 19-year-old was with the first team on Thursday Xavi called up 19-year-old Marc Casado to Barcelona training on Thursday as he looks for options at right-back after injuries to Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, and Hector Bellerin. Casado was given the nod and could now be in the matchday squad for Saturday’s trip to Real Mallorca in La Liga. The...

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Barca’s doors will always be open to Messi - Marquez

Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images ‘This has been his home for a long time’ Barcelona Atletic coach Rafa Marquez says the club’s doors “will always be open” to Lionel Messi amid growing speculation about a return for the GOAT. Vice-president Eduard Romeu has said this week it would be “financially viable” for Messi to come home once his contract with...

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Podcast: Barcelona’s injury-hit break, how will they cope?

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images Chatting with Emile Avanessian This week on the Barca Blaugranes podcast, I interview Emile Avanessian. Emile most recently wrote a piece for Squawka previewing Spain in the World Cup. This time around we discuss the many Barcelona injuries coming off the international break. How will Xavi’s men do in a wildly busy October...

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Who will Xavi use at right-back for Barcelona?

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images The manager is short of options Barcelona are back in action after the international break on Saturday against Real Mallorca and face a hectic month of fixtures in La Liga and the Champions League. The Catalans are also going to have to cope without some key players after being hit by injuries during the interntional break, particularly...

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PSG chief suggests UEFA investigate Barca’s summer dealings

Photo by Aurelien Meunier - PSG/PSG via Getty Images So this happened.... Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona aren’t really the best of friends. Both do their finances in interesting and different ways, and that seems to bother the French club’s president Nasser Al-Khelaif. The manner in which Barcelona conducted themselves this summer wasn’t in line with the squeaky clean...

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Messi returning to Barca is ‘financially viable’ - Romeu

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images The GOAT will be a free agent in the summer Barcelona’s economic vice-president Eduard Romeu has been talking about the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to the Camp Nou in the summer of 2023. There have been rumors already that Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season when his contract at the club expires. It’s not clear...

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Luis Enrique: I need to see Ansu playing for Barcelona

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images Will the teenager go to the World Cup? Spain boss Luis Enrique spoke briefly about Barcelona striker Ansu Fati after seeing his team beat Portugal 1-0 to qualify for next summer’s Nations League Final Four. Ansu was left out of Spain’s latest squad with Lucho explaining he didn’t think the teenager was quite ready to be called up. The...

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Hector Bellerin set to miss 3-4 weeks with calf injury

Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images Another defender out Hector Bellerin is the latest player to be ruled out by Barcelona after suffering a calf injury. The right-back underwent tests on the problem this morning and has joined Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo in the sidelines. Here’s Barcelona’s official statement: “Tests carried out on Wednesday have confirmed that the first...

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Barcelona confirm successful surgery for Araujo

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images The defender is set for a lengthy lay-off Barcelona confirmed on Wednesday that Ronald Araujo has undergone successful thigh surgery in Finland. The defender has gone under the knife after picking up an issue playing for Uruguay in a friendly against Iran. Araujo is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines and is expected to miss the...

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FC Barcelona News: 28 September 2022

Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors FC Barcelona international diary - 27 September - FC Barcelona Our guide to how Barca’s players fare with their respective national teams during the international break. Bellerín, soleus issue in left leg - FC Barcelona Héctor Bellerín has reported difficulties with the soleus in his...

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Barca target Zubimendi tipped to renew with Real Sociedad

Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images The midfielder will sign on until 2027 Martin Zubimendi has regularly been linked with Barcelona recently, with the Catalans thought to be considering bringing him in to replace Sergio Busquets. However, the latest update suggests that the 23-year-old midfielder could be about to renew his contract with Real Sociedad. El Diario...

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Darwin Nunez pays tribute to injured Ronald Araujo

Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images Classy stuff from the striker Ronald Araujo flew out to Finland on Tuesday where he will undergo surgery on a thigh injury that will likely keep him out of the 2022 World Cup. Meanwhile, his Uruguay team-mates were in friendly action against Canada in Bratislava but the defender was very much in the squad’s thoughts. Striker...

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Nico backed to succeed Busquets by Garcia Pimienta

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images ‘He is perfect’ There’s no doubt that Xavi and the folks at Barcelona are considerate of the future, as well as the day-to-day of the club. The present function of the club’s midfield features heavy usage of Sergio Busquets. However, in the future, that won’t be the case. Once Busquets eventually leaves the club,...

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Rennes boss explains failed Samuel Umtiti transfer

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images Bruno Genesio ‘was convinced’ he could get the best out of the defender Samuel Umtiti’s spell at Barcelona is over, at least for now. The French defender left the Camp Nou on a year-long loan to Lecce in Serie A. The deal took a bit longer than expected but eventually, everyone came to an agreement. The timing was...

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Hector Bellerin joins Barcelona’s growing injury list

Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images Another blow for Xavi’s side Barcelona have been hit by yet another injury blow ahead of their next La Liga clash against Real Mallorca, with right-back Hector Bellerin joining the club’s injury list. The club have confirmed that Bellerin felt some discomfort during Tuesday’s training session and will now undergo further tests. Here’s the...

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Ter Stegen explains upturn in form for Barcelona

Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images The keeper has looked back to his best Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been chatting about how his summer break has helped him return to his best form this season. The goalkeeper has shone for Barcelona in the early weeks of the campaign and has only conceded once in La Liga. Ter Stegen has also looked good back in...

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FC Barcelona News: 27 September 2022

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors FC Barcelona international diary: 26 September - FC Barcelona Our guide to how Barca’s players fare with their respective national teams during the international break. Return to training - FC Barcelona This week sees competition return to Xavi Hernández's team with Saturday's trip to...

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Ronald Araujo explains why he’s opted for surgery

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images The defender will likely miss the World Cup Ronald Araujo has opened up on his decision to undergo surgery after Barcelona confirmed the defender will go under the knife this week. The center-back’s decision to have an operation on his thigh problem means he’s almost certain to miss the World Cup which starts in November. There...

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Dembele, Lewy and Christensen back in Barca training

Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images The trio are back from international duty Barcelona have had a tricky international break with injuries but were able to welcome back three key players on Monday for training. Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele, and Andreas Christensen were all back from their national teams and took part in a session. Xavi will be relieved...

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Barcelona confirm Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay injuries

Photo by Geert van Erven/Orange Pictures/BSR Agency/Getty Images More problems for Xavi’s side Barcelona have confirmed both Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay are out of action after sustaining injuries over the international break. The two players both went off in the win over Poland and were then released by the Netherlands and allowed to return to Barca. Both De Jong...

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Barca’s squad depth will be tested as World Cup approaches

Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images It could be a scary October if Xavi’s team can’t stay healthy  This season was always going to be one unlike any other because of the unprecedented scheduling of this World Cup in Qatar. Managers and players have been lamenting for years the lack of recovery time between games, and the increased risk of injury that comes...

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Barcelona confirm Ronald Araujo will undergo surgery

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images The defender is likely to miss the World Cup Barcelona have confirmed Ronald Araujo will undergo surgery on a thigh injury picked up while playing for Uruguay over the international break. The defender has opted to go under the knife and is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Here’s the club’s official...

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Time and date for Real Madrid vs Barca confirmed

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images Not long to wait now! The date and time for the first Clasico of the 2022-23 season has been confirmed with Barcelona scheduled to take on Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, October 16 at 4:15pm CET. Both sides are set for a hectic October with Barca due to play Real Mallorca and Celta in La Liga and Inter twice in the Champions...

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Barca’s top transfer priority is a new right-back - report

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images The club could spend big again next summer Barcelona are already thinking about signings for next summer and have reportedly made a new right-back their top priority. The Catalans have a few options this season with center-backs Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo having featured out wide and Hector Bellerin and Sergi Roberto also options. Gerard...

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International watch: Dembele not risked as France lose to Denmark

Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images The Barcelona forward stayed on the bench Barcelona have endured a difficult international break so far with key players picking up injuries but were offered some respite on Sunday. Ousmane Dembele, who Franch coach Didier Deschamps has admitted has been suffering some calf discomfort, was not risked during Les Bleus’ clash with...

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WATCH: Lewandowski comes up with classy assist

Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images More great stuff from the Barcelona striker Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski was in Nations League action on Sunday night for Poland against Wales and caught the eye with a lovely assist. The 34-year-old set up the opening goal for team-mate Karol Swiderski after 57 minutes of the game with a brilliant flick. An outrageous...

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Kounde hoping to be fit in time for El Clasico - reports

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images The Frenchman is out with a hamstring injury Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is reportedly hopeful he will be fit in time for El Clasico on September 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Frenchman has been ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty and has since returned to Barcelona. Diario AS are reporting that...

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Jordi Alba grateful that Luis Enrique still trusts him for Spain

Photo by Berengui/DeFodi Images via Getty Images The defender scored against Switzerland Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has admitted he’s grateful that Spain boss Luis Enrique still trusts him after featuring against Switzerland in the Nations League. The 33-year-old is no longer a guaranteed starter for Barcelona but did feature for his national team and scored in the 2-1...

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FC Barcelona News: 25 September 2022

Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors Kounde and Araujo injury news - FC Barcelona Tests on Saturday morning have confirmed that Jules Kounde has a biceps femoris injury in his left hamstring. As a result he is unavailable for selection until he recovers. FC Barcelona international diary - 24 September - FC Barcelona Our guide...

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Kounde sends message to Barca fans after injury blow

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images The defender is feeling positive Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has sent out an upbeat message after being ruled out of action with a hamstring injury. The Catalan giants confirmed on Saturday that Kounde has been sidelined after picking up a problem playing for France against Austria in the Nations League. Kounde has now taken to social...

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Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo set to make decision on surgery - report

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images The defender has a thigh injury Ronald Araujo is expected to make a decision on whether to undergo surgery on his thigh injury over the weekend The center-back suffered the injury while on international duty with Uruguay and is set for some time on the sidelines, although it’s not clear yet how much time he will miss. Early reports have...

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Deschamps confirms Dembele is a doubt for France match

Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images The forward is a doubt France boss Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele has a bit of niggle and could miss the team’s Nations League game against Denmark on Sunday. Dembele has been recalled to the France squad and featured as a substitute in Les Bleus’ 2-0 win over Austria last week. The were...

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