Barcelona return to action after the international break with their first home match of the season, against Valencia at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. The Catalans have accumulated seven points from their opening three fixtures, and the aim will to make that 10 come the end of the weekend.

But it will not be straightforward, especially as Hansi Flick’s squad is weaker now compared to before the break. Alejandro Balde is out for the next few weeks with a hamstring injury, while Gavi will miss an extended period as he is struggling with a knee issue. And the Barcelona head coach is particularly upset about the latter, as he told the media on Saturday (via Diario AS).

“I’ve said it several times before, but Gavi is the heart of this team. His mentality on the pitch, he gives everything and gives everything for the club. I was afraid that it would happen in training after that big injury he had, I had that fear. But I would say all he has to do is work hard, and not put too much pressure. He has to come back and be fit, we need him with confidence in terms of his knee and his body.”

Flick confirms Marc Bernal return, Frenkie de Jong absence

Frenkie de Jong is another player that Flick cannot count on due to injury, but there is good news for Barcelona, in that Marc Bernal has been cleared to make his first appearance in over a year.

“Frenkie is not available for tomorrow, Marc is not in the eleven but he is available from the bench . The next step in this recovery process is this, to be available. I want to see him on the pitch and playing more.”

Flick was also asked about the return of Thiago Alcantara, who re-joined his coaching staff earlier this week.

“I’m very happy that he’s back – everyone is happy, I’m happy. It was not an easy task to convince him. He brings his experience as a player, he will be another member of the technical team with high experience. I see how the young players listen to him carefully.”