
Sun Aug 31 16:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on that information:
**Summary:**
Hansi Flick has named a 23-man squad for Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano in Madrid. The squad includes newly registered players Wojciech Szczesny and Gerard Martín. However, Gavi (knee injury), Roony Bardghji (unregistered), Marc-André ter Stegen (back injury), and Marc Bernal (knee injury) are unavailable. Oriol Romeu and Héctor Fort are also out due to pending departures. A predicted starting XI includes Garcia in goal, a defense of Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric, and Balde; De Jong and Pedri in midfield; and Yamal, Olmo, and Raphinha supporting Ferran Torres up front. The match is a tough away fixture for Barça, kicking off at 9:30 PM CET.
**News Article:**
**Barcelona Announce Squad for Rayo Vallecano Clash: Szczesny and Martín Included, Gavi Out**
**MADRID, SPAIN** – Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has announced his 23-man squad for Sunday’s La Liga encounter against Rayo Vallecano in Madrid. The Blaugrana face a challenging away fixture as they look to continue their strong start to the season.
The squad sees the welcome inclusion of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and defender Gerard Martín, both of whom have been successfully registered to play. However, Flick faces several selection headaches, with key midfielder Gavi ruled out due to a knee injury. Youngster Roony Bardghji remains unregistered and unavailable.
Adding to the injury concerns, first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is sidelined with a back injury, while Marc Bernal is also unavailable due to a knee problem. Furthermore, Oriol Romeu and Héctor Fort are finalizing transfers and are therefore not included in the squad.
Flick is expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Joan Garcia likely to deputize in goal. The predicted starting XI features a back four of Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric, and Balde. De Jong and Pedri are tipped to anchor the midfield, with Yamal, Olmo, and Raphinha providing support to striker Ferran Torres. Marcus Rashford is in the call up as well.
The match kicks off at 9:30 PM CET. Barcelona will be hoping to secure a vital three points on the road against a potentially tricky Rayo Vallecano side.