Official: Barcelona squad list to face SL Benfica
FC Barcelona are all set to fly to Lisbon for a second time this season as they take on SL Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie on Wednesday night.
Ahead of the contest at Estadio da Luz, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has announced the squad list of players who will be making the trip to Portugal.
The big news is that key midfielder Gavi has been named on the list amid speculations that he is a doubt for the game as he is still suffering from a fever.
Meanwhile, Ansu Fati, who has been constantly left out of matchday squads in recent weeks, has also been included on the list by Flick.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, and Andreas Christensen all miss out through injuries for the Catalan heavyweights.
Changes are expected to the lineup with the likes of Inigo Martinez, Frenkie de Jong, and Alejandro Balde expected to return to the starting XI after being left out against Real Sociedad over the weekend.
👥 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧! #BenficaBarça pic.twitter.com/RaK1e0Xe8y
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2025

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Lionel Messi names one Barcelona goal as favourite of his entire career
Lionel Messi names one Barcelona goal as favourite of his entire career Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has this week provided an insight his personal favourite goal of his career. And the Argentine's pick may come as something of a surprise… Veteran attacker Messi has of course been responsible for some of the most spectacular goals in modern history. Advertisement From solo specials to thunderous left-footed drives and sumptuous free-kicks, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's efforts in front of goal will go down in football folklore. Immediately springing to mind when thinking back to Messi's very best goals are those against the likes of Bayern Munich, Athletic Club, and Getafe. It is another, though, which the 37-year-old himself considers to be his personal favourite. Speaking during an interview with Inter Miami, as part of the club's 'A Goal in Life' campaign, this week, Messi was drawn on the topic of his best goals ever. And the Barcelona icon went on to highlight his crucial Blaugrana header against Manchester United in the Champions League finale in 2009: Advertisement 'I've scored many goals that might have been even more beautiful and valuable, also because of their importance, but the header in the Champions League final against Manchester United has always been my favourite.' Conor Laird – GSFN
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Barcelona turn down Chelsea's Nkunku-Lopez swap deal
Barcelona have rejected a potential swap deal with Chelsea involving Christopher Nkunku and Fermin Lopez, according to Mundo Deportivo. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca admires Lopez and wants him at Stamford Bridge, but Barca are not interested in an exchange deal for their La Masia graduate. Advertisement Lopez caught the eye this season, coming on from the bench to provide creativity and energy. The Spanish attacking midfielder also has a keen eye for goal. Lopez bagged eight goals and 10 assists in 46 appearances for the Catalans as they clinched the domestic treble and reached the UEFA Champions League semi-final. His performances have caught the eye of Chelsea, but Barca are not willing to part with their prized asset, especially if the offer on the table is taking Nkunku. The Frenchman has endured two injury-riddled campaigns in West London and is keen to move away. Nkunku managed 14 goals and five assists, but the consensus is that it was an underwhelming season. Advertisement Barca are too focused on signing Luis Diaz, and except Lopez asks for a move away, they will not be at the negotiating table with Chelsea. Chelsea should not be afraid to cough up the funds for Lopez – View Firstly, Lopez brings one quality Chelsea desperately need – intensity. He is a vivacious attacker who executes his actions with quickness and works hard off the ball. Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez are quality in the Chelsea engine room, but they play at their own pace. Lopez injects electricity into matches. Additionally, he can cover several positions, and the Blues need that versatility when they eventually sell Nkunku. Advertisement He can provide the same cutting edge in attack and does not rest on his laurels defensively. If Chelsea can get Lopez at a fair price, he would be a steal. However, Barcelona will likely demand a massive fee to part ways with the 22-year-old, who is a stud.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
After 6-year absence, Isco returns to Spain's squad for Nations League semifinal. Rodri still out
MADRID (AP) — Isco is back with Spain's national team after a six-year absence, while Rodri remains out after a long injury layoff. Coach Luis de la Fuente on Monday named 26 players for the Nations League semifinal against France on June 5 in Stuttgart. Germany and Portugal will play in the other semifinal on June 4 in Munich. Advertisement The 33-year-old Isco, the former Real Madrid player who is now with Real Betis, hadn't been called up for Spain since 2019. His solid performances for Betis in the Spanish league earned him a spot in the national team again. 'I've never paid attention to how long they've been away," De la Fuente said. "It was the right time for Isco to return, he'll be there and he'll contribute, because if I had thought otherwise, he wouldn't have been there.' Rodri recently returned for Manchester City after a long layoff because of a serious knee injury, but De la Fuente felt it was too soon to bring him back to the national team. 'He's very important but has been out for eight months and played only 10 minutes," De la Fuente said. 'I've spoken with him and we thought it wasn't the time to take any risks.' Advertisement The coach did select midfielder Gavi, who also sustained a serious knee injury but played often for Barcelona this year. 'He's at a high level and has room for improvement,' De la Fuente said. 'He has to keep working to maintain the level he was at a little over a year ago.' Included in the list, as expected, were Barcelona players Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Dani Olmo. Athletic's Nico Williams also was called up. Some of those missing were defenders Iñigo Martínez of Barcelona and Raúl Asencio of Real Madrid. ___ Squad: Goalkeepers: David Raya (Arsenal), Álex Remiro (Real Sociedad), Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao) Advertisement Defenders: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Óscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid) Midfielders: Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Gavi (Barcelona), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Aleix García (Bayer Leverkusen), Pedri (Barcelona), Isco (Real Betis). Forwards: Álvaro Morata (Galatasaray), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Samu Omorodion (Porto), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Dani Olmo (Barcelona). ___ AP soccer: Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press