Hansi Flick Confirms Rodri Out Of Barcelona’s LaLiga Opener Vs Elche

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona pre match for Elche  

Barcelona’s €76.5m signing Rodri to miss Elche game as Hansi Flick eyes strikers.

No Rodri yet for Barca as Flick praises teen striker ahead of Elche...

Hansi Flick says new signing Rodri won’t face Elche, but hailed 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim. Joao Cancelo is set for his Barcelona debut.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick confirmed new signing Rodri will miss the LaLiga opener against Elche on Sunday.

The ex-Manchester City midfielder could, however, be in line to debut in Barcelona’s second league game against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.  

“He's very concentrated, focused, our plan is that he will arrive on Monday with the team,” Flick told reporters on Saturday.

“This is the plan. He's a fantastic player, a leader, and his personality is very great.”

Barca brought in the Spanish World Cup winner for a deal worth up to €76.5 million ($89 million) to strengthen their midfield.  

With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres both gone, Barcelona are still searching for a new striker before the window closes.

 Flick didn’t confirm who will lead the line at Elche, but praised 18-year-old Egyptian Hamza Abdelkarim for his pre-season form after scoring four goals in friendlies.  

“Hamza is having a really great pre-season,” said Flick.

“He's a number nine, he's young, and he has a lot of potential, and also he scored goals. This is the important thing when you're playing in this position, and he made a great job.”

❝Cancelo could play tomorrow, he’s ready and has fantastic technique and a lot of passion. He gave us so much last season.❞

🗣️ Hansi Flick #ElcheBarça pic.twitter.com/yE1FacFT5v

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 22, 2026

New signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, both wingers, can also operate centrally as false nines, along with Raphinha and Dani Olmo.

Flick also confirmed that new full-back Joao Cancelo, signed this week, is available for Barcelona’s trip to the Martinez Valero stadium.  

“He's ready to play. He has unbelievable technique and a lot of passion,” added Flick.