Barcelona’s new signing Rodri will miss the Spanish champions’ La Liga opener against Elche on Sunday, coach Hansi Flick has confirmed.
The former Manchester City midfielder is expected to join the team on Monday and could make his Barcelona debut in their second league match against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.
Flick said Rodri is focused and committed to settling into the Barcelona squad, describing the Spanish World Cup winner as a “fantastic player” and a natural leader whose personality would be valuable to the team.
Barcelona signed Rodri for a fee that could rise to €76.5 million ($89 million) as Flick looks to strengthen the club’s midfield ahead of the new season.
Despite the midfield reinforcement, Barcelona are still searching for a new striker following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Flick did not disclose who would lead the attack against Elche but praised the impressive pre-season form of 18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, who scored four goals in Barcelona’s friendly matches.
“Hamza is having a really great pre-season,” Flick said, describing the youngster as a natural number nine with significant potential and an eye for goal.
Barcelona also have attacking options in Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Raphinha and Dani Olmo, with Gordon and Adeyemi capable of operating centrally as false nines.
Meanwhile, new signing Joao Cancelo is available for the trip to the Martinez Valero Stadium. Flick praised the full-back’s technical ability and passion, confirming that he is ready to play.
With Rodri set to join the squad after the opener, Barcelona will hope their other attacking and midfield options can deliver a strong start to their title defence against Elche.
