FC Barcelona began preparations for Saturday's match against Girona (4:15 PM CEST) for matchday 9 of LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26, now with all the international players who traveled with their national teams to the last FIFA date at the disposal of Hansi Flick. The squad, for the moment, registers 8 absences due to injury and a doubt until the last minute heading into the Catalan derby.

Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski joined Barça's infirmary during the October break, but Lamine Yamal and Fermín López should be medically cleared this Friday. Although their presence in the starting XI is unlikely, both have trained normally during the week and will be available to add minutes in the second half.

Ferran Torres doesn't complete the session and is doubtful against Girona

Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, celebrating a goal against Getafe

However, there are doubts regarding the physical condition of Ferran Torres. The '7' trained with the group on Thursday, but did not complete the session after feeling discomfort in his left leg. The 'Shark' returned to Barcelona on Monday due to an overload in his left hamstring and, although Barça ruled out an injury, his physical condition worries the coaching staff.

The fact is that the forward completed the session in the gym, and it will be on Friday when Hansi Flick decides whether or not he can count on the Valencian player against Girona. The scenario is complex for the staff in terms of putting together the lineup for Saturday, since Lewandowski and Olmo are ruled out, and neither Lamine nor Olmo should be starters as they are returning from injury.

In that sense, Marcus Rashford would be the first alternative as a '9' if Ferran doesn't arrive at full strength against Girona. Roony Bardghji and 'Dro' Fernández would return to the starting XI, with Pedri as an attacking midfielder and Marc Casadó accompanying Frenkie de Jong in the midfield. The priority is to avoid new injuries and minimize risks with players who are not fully fit, like the '7'.

Barça Will Have at Least 6 Absences for Matchday 9 of LaLiga

Raphinha will also be unavailable on Saturday. He remains sidelined from the group due to a right hamstring injury from which he has taken longer than expected to recover. The other confirmed absentees for matchday 9 of LaLiga are Joan García, Gavi, and Ter Stegen, along with Olmo and Lewandowski. 

Barcelona will only have three days of rest heading into the match against Olympiacos, next Tuesday in Montjuïc (18:45 CEST), and afterwards, they will have to prepare for the visit to Real Madrid, on Sunday the 26th. The goal heading into the Clásico is to recover Raphinha and Dani, while Joan has it much more difficult and, along with 'Lewy', are aiming to reappear after the November break.