Barcelona restart their La Liga campaign at home to Catalan rivals Girona on October 18.
Hansi Flick's side struggled over the line ahead of the October international break after suffering a 2-1 home defeat to holders Paris Saint-Germain in UEFA Champions League action.
That result ended their unbeaten start to the campaign, and their first league loss was subsequently handed out by Sevilla on October 5 as Real Madrid seized a two-point lead at the top of the league standings.
A return to action gives Flick a chance to bounce back quickly — despite a growing injury crisis — with visitors Girona winning just one of their eight league outings in 2025/26.
MORE: Barcelona star prepared to reject Premier League offer as fresh 2026 issue emerges
Barcelona vs. Girona lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Flick is counting the cost of the latest international window with Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres both injured on duty with Poland and Spain. Lewandowski has a hamstring problem, while Torres withdrew from the Spain squad with muscle soreness.
Both players will miss this game and, alongside Dani Olmo, they are major doubts for the Clasico trip to Madrid on October 26.
Lamine Yamal was not involved for Spain this time due to further discomfort caused by his persistent groin injury, but Flick has confirmed he should be fit to face Girona.
Joan Garcia and Raphinha are still another week away from a comeback as Flick looks to keep his squad balanced for a busy run of matches.
Barcelona predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Szczesny (GK) — Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde — Pedri, De Jong, Casado — Lamine Yamal, Rashford, Bardghji
Injured: Lewandowski (hamstring), Torres (hamstring), Olmo (calf), J. Garcia (knee), Raphinha (hamstring), Gavi (knee), Lopez (groin), Ter Stegen (back)
Suspended: None
Girona will be forced into at least two changes after signing off for the international break with a first win of the campaign at home to Valencia.
Ivan Martin and Alejandro Frances were both sent off against Los Che as the hosts hung in for all three points.
Viktor Tsygankov looks set to return following a knee problem but Donny van de Beek and Abel Ruiz remain out of action.
Girona predicted starting XI (3-4-3, right to left): Gazzaniga (GK) — Martinez, Reis, Blind — Rincon, Witsel, Solis, Moreno — Roca, Gil — Vanat
Injured: Ruiz (muscle), Ounahi (calf), Van de Beek (ankle), Lopez (hamstring, Carlos (knee)
Suspended: Martin, Frances
Barcelona vs. Girona match details
- Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Kickoff time: 4:15 p.m. local / 10:15 a.m. ET / 7:15 a.m. PT / 1:15 a.m. AEDT (October 19)
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona (Spain)
- Competition: La Liga matchweek nine
Barcelona news and related links
- Barcelona star faces El Clasico race against time as injury crisis deepens
- Fermin Lopez brushes off Premier League rumors and affirms commitment to Barcelona
- Ed Sheeran and Barcelona team up in unexpected El Clasico crossover