Barcelona faces a demanding September. Until October 5, the blaugrana team has seven matches ahead. The first will be against Valencia this Sunday, September 14, at 9:00 p.m., at Estadi Johan Cruyff.
After the bitter draw against Rayo, Barça needs to keep the same intensity in the domestic competition. However, Hansi Flick has to deal with several important absences. Gavi won't be able to play due to a meniscus injury, and Alejandro Balde will miss the clash because of muscle problems.
Frenkie de Jong won't be forced either. The Dutch midfielder returned before the training camp with the Netherlands due to a minor injury in the external obturator of his right leg. The absences are starting to pile up, and the German coach must put together a solid starting eleven with what's available.
Ronald Araújo, absent and on the bench
The double South American date for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers leaves Ronald Araújo out of the match. The Uruguayan center-back was suspended and played all 90 minutes of his national team's draw against Chile. As a precaution, since he's the last to rejoin training along with Raphinha, Araújo is expected to be on the bench against Valencia.
The second captain already experienced staying in the stands against Rayo Vallecano. The idea is not to overload him and to protect him physically for upcoming commitments. This forces Flick to look for alternatives in the heart of the defense.
Éric García and Pau Cubarsí: the new golden duo
In Araújo's absence, Hansi Flick will turn to what he himself has called the "golden duo." Éric García will have another chance to lead the backline. The Spanish center-back already started in Vallecas, alongside Andreas Christensen.
Pau Cubarsí, who rested in the last league match, will be his partner. The young defender from La Masia shares the spotlight with García and brings freshness and security to the team. Both played together at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where they won the gold medal with Spain. Now, they're bringing that chemistry to Barça's first team.
A challenge at home
Valencia arrives at Johan Cruyff aiming to surprise. Meanwhile, Barça needs to consolidate its play after the international breaks. The pressure is high, but the combination of García and Cubarsí could be key to keeping defensive solidity.
With such a packed schedule, every match counts. The blaugrana team knows it can't afford mistakes and that even the young academy players must take responsibility. The "golden pair" will be in the spotlight and, although Araújo won't be there from the start, Barça has reasons to keep adding points.