Barcelona Injury Update vs Espanyol are the main point for today’s blog that Barcelona are going into Catalan derby against Espanyol but with some injured players, but some important players are starting to returning the squad. Now Hansi Flick had to choose his starting team and tactics carefully for this La Liga match.
Barcelona are not that fit yet, the injury situation will decide that how team will play this match.
Next La Liga Match
Next match of Barcelona’s against Espanyol in La Liga. This game is going to held in 3rd January 2026 at the RCDE Stadium.
This is Catalan derby, which means there is a lot of pressure on the team. This match is much important for Barcelona to start good momentum for 2026 and onwards.
Earlier this season, Barcelona showed how important a fast start can be in big La Liga games, as seen in the Barcelona vs Osasuna match at Camp Nou.
You can check the official details for Espanyol vs Barcelona, including broadcast info, on the club’s match page Official Espanyol vs Barcelona match info.
Confirmed absentees
With this Barcelona Injury Update vs Espanyol, some list of players who are effectively ruled out and are not expected to feature in this match:
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Gavi – out(knee/meniscus)
He is recovering from surgery of a serious knee injury. The medical staff and clubs are targeting for a return around February 2026, but i think after he becomes fully fit then only he will able to come back and play the match with dedication.
But i can surely say, his absence will eliminates the aggression and pressing midfielder. That’s why Flick prefers to use calmer player like Gündoğan and Fermín, they will help in controlling the midfield.
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Andreas Christensen – out (knee)
He is also into a serious knee injury, that’s why he will also not be able to play this match. This is the reason why Flick changed his defence. Without him, theBarcelona team will miss a centre-back so Flick often uses Araújo with Koundé.
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Marc‑André ter Stegen – likely still out (back)
He will miss the match because of his back problem, his return into the match is not clear yet. If he will not be able to play, Barcelona team will lose a calm and a good goalkeeper with accurate passes.
Doubtful and returning players:
This Barcelona Injury Update vs Espanyol also brings some good news of returning players, who are towards the full fitness and give more flexibility to Flick:
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Ronald Araújo – returning / available
He is back in full training after missing time because of some mental and physical
problems, there is a hope that he can play in the derby against Espanoyl. His return will be the support for defence like Araújo who allows Barcelona to defend well in the pitch.
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Pedri – close to return / possible minutes
He is close to returning after his thigh injury. Even if he doesn’t play, in that case as well his presence will also makes a big difference, because he helps the Barcelona team to control the game and guide the team for playing in valid frequency.
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Jules Koundé – near full fitness
He is almost fit after his muscle problem and it is expected to be available during January matches. As I know, if he plays the match Flick will use him either as a centre-back to make the defence stronger. But make sure to comment your opinion as well.
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Dani Olmo – major doubt but progressing
He is recovering from his shoulder injury, so it is not confirmed that he will be fit or not while playing against the Espanyol. He is improving himself, but I think he will only be ready for sit to the bench. Because he is good at making clever pass, may be Flick use him in between the match if needs.
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Lamine Yamal – injury scare but back
He had a small injury, but he is already back in the training and is getting ready for playing against the Espanyol.
Fans already watched how Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal can change a game in Barcelona’s comeback win over Alavés earlier this season.
| Player | Injury / Issue | Current Status | Expected Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ronald Araújo | Physical & mental recovery | Back in full training | Likely available vs Espanyol |
| Pedri | Thigh (biceps femoris) injury | Close to return | Possible minutes in January |
| Marc-André ter Stegen | Back problem | Still sidelined | Return uncertain |
| Jules Koundé | Muscle issue | Near full fitness | Expected back in January |
| Dani Olmo | Shoulder injury | Major doubt | Possible bench option |
| Lamine Yamal | Minor injury scare | Back in training | Expected to be available |
For a wider look at the full list of current injuries and suspensions, there are updated graphics and numbers available here full Barcelona injury and suspension list.
Balanced outlook for the derby
In the end, this Barcelona Injury Update vs Espanyol shows Barecelona team are in the better position than they were in before few weeks ago because because Araújo and possibly Pedri are coming back, which helps both defence and attack. Even though players like Gavi, Christensen, and maybe ter Stegen are missing are still a problem. Hansi Flick has enough players to recreate a strong plan to beat the opponent.
If the players perform well and Lamine Yamal keeps playing with same performance level, Barcelona’s team members also get motivated and perform well in the match against Espanyol.