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Barcelona hope to move themselves into a position for a knockout round bye as they travel to visit Premier League side Chelsea in the fifth league phase match of the 2025/26 Champions League campaign.
They sit 11th in the league phase standings through five matches, needing to reach the top eight to secure direct passage to the Round of 16 and avoid a knockout playoff round matchup.
The Catalan giants made their long-awaited return to their regular home stadium the Camp Nou on the weekend in emphatic fashion, downing Athletic Club by a 4-0 score.
Raphinha made his return from an injury by appearing for nine minutes off the bench towards the end, but may not be ready for a start just yet after two months on the sideline. He is one of many Barcelona players struggling with a lack of fitness, especially concentrated in midfield.
AllSportsPeople runs through the latest team news and injury updates for Barcelona as the match draws nearer.
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Barcelona lineup vs. Chelsea: Predicted starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Garcia (GK)
Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde
E. Garcia, De Jong
Lamine Yamal, F. Lopez, F. Torres
Lewandowski
Barcelona team news
Marcus Rashford missed the weekend win over Athletic Club with an illness, and his health will be monitored ahead of this game with a quick turnaround leaving his status in jeopardy.
Raphinha returned on Saturday after missing two months with a hamstring problem, seeing nine minutes off the bench, and it's unlikely he will be ready for 90 minutes just yet. Despite missing international duty this month treatment on his chronic pubalgia, Lamine Yamal is available.
The Barcelona midfield is thin. Marc Casado was only available off the bench on Saturday, and Pedri missed out due to a minor issue that has seen him train on his own this week. Frenkie de Jong returns after being suspended for a red card on the weekend in league play.
In goal, Joan Garcia is back to full fitness, replacing Wojciech Szczesny in net.
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Barcelona injury list
Below is the latest injury picture for Barcelona, and estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.
Marcus Rashford
- Injury: Illness
- Expected return date: November 25
Rashford reportedly came down with flu ahead of the Athletic Club game, but it is hoped he will be okay to make the trip back to England to face Chelsea next week.
Gavi
- Injury: Meniscus damage (right knee)
- Expected return date: February 2026
Gavi suffered damage to his right knee during an August training session. The midfielder avoided an ACL tear but required surgery to repair the meniscus. He's expected to face five months on the sidelines.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
- Injury: Lower back
- Expected return date: Uncertain
Ter Stegen's back surgery in July sparked a mini crisis at Barca, who stripped him of the captaincy before reinstating him after accepting his version of how long he expected to be sidelined. The Germany keeper could be back before the end of the year, but it is unclear at this moment.
Pedri
- Injury: Hamstring (left leg)
- Expected return date: November 29
Pedri has been vital for Barcelona this season, with his historic injury issues now resolved, and this latest issue is not expected to keep him out for long. He was omitted from Spain duty in November with Luis de la Fuente's team already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and he has been training alone this past week. He could be back to face Alaves.
Barcelona vs. Chelsea match details
- Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
- Kickoff time: 8 p.m. Local GMT
- Location: Stamford Bridge (London, England)
- Competition: UEFA Champions League league phase, Matchweek 5
- Referee: Slavko Vincic (SLV)