Preview and Team News: girona - barcelona, Raphinha and Rashford Updates Ahead of Matchday 24
Context and stakes
Barcelona return to league duty following a heavy Copa del Rey defeat as they travel to face Girona on Matchday 24. The 4–0 loss to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal represented the worst result of the Hansi Flick era and has sharpened the focus on La Liga where Barcelona sit near the top of the table. With Real Madrid briefly moving ahead after their win over Real Sociedad, anything less than maximum points in Catalonia would be judged a poor response from Flick's side.
Girona form and availability
Girona have shown signs of recovery in recent weeks and have climbed out of the relegation zone, but they remain short on personnel. The home side continue to be affected by injuries and absences, which has limited head coach Michel's options. Yahoo Sports' pre-match briefing lists multiple players unavailable for the hosts, underlining the depth problems Girona face as they prepare to meet one of Spain's leading clubs.
Barcelona injury situation
Barcelona's attacking unit was weakened in midweek after both Raphinha and Marcus Rashford missed the trip to Madrid. the available reports, both injuries are considered minor, but there is a difference in their immediate readiness. Raphinha returned to training on Saturday and could travel with the squad, though it may be too early to expect him to start. By contrast, the Englishman—reported as still not having trained with the team—remains a significant doubt for the match in Girona.
Pedri is still some weeks away from returning from a hamstring problem, a loss that was felt acutely in the defeat to Atlético. In that game, Marc Casadó struggled to fill the creative vacuum and was substituted before the hour mark, leaving Barcelona with limited midfield solutions without Pedri available.
Goalkeeper Joan García has also been under scrutiny. After a strong start to 2026, his recent form has dipped and an early mistake in the Copa del Rey tie was identified as a key moment that contributed to the heavy defeat. Flick must decide whether to keep faith with García or consider changes ahead of the trip to Montilivi.
Predicted XI and tactical considerations
Based on the injury list and recent selections, a plausible Barcelona starting XI could include Joan García in goal, a back line featuring Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García or Martín, and Alejandro Balde. The midfield is likely to be adapted in Pedri's absence, with Marc Casadó expected to be involved despite his struggles in the cup. The forward line may be led by Robert Lewandowski with supporting options such as Ferran Torres or Raphinha if he is deemed fit enough to make the bench or start. Other attacking choices referenced in available previews include Pablo Torre and the younger forwards often used by Flick in rotation.
Girona are expected to field a side shaped around their available defenders and forwards, though their exact XI will depend on fitness assessments late in the build-up. Prior meetings between these clubs have tended to favor Barcelona historically, but Girona's home form and tactical adjustments under Michel mean they cannot be written off.
Key factors and outlook
Two main themes will shape the outcome: Barcelona's need for a swift reaction after the Copa del Rey humiliation, and Girona's capacity to exploit any lingering uncertainty in the visitors' lineup. Fitness updates on Raphinha and the English attacker will be decisive for Barcelona's attacking threat. Meanwhile, the continued absence of Pedri leaves Barça light in creativity and may force Flick to rely on a more direct or rotating approach through the middle.
On balance, Barcelona retain the superior squad quality and should be expected to push for three points. Still, any drop in confidence or further errors—especially in goal or midfield—would invite Girona to contest the result more aggressively on home soil.
