Rodri set to make first Barcelona start against Valencia

Barcelona midfielder Rodri is expected to make his first start for the club when Hansi Flick’s side visit Mestalla to face Valencia in La Liga on Sunday.

Barcelona are the only team with a perfect record in the 2026/27 campaign heading into Matchday 4, after Real Madrid suffered a 1-0 defeat by Real Betis on Friday. The result gives the reigning champions the chance to establish an early advantage at the top of the table with another victory.

Rodri is in line to start after being introduced from the bench in Barcelona’s previous two league matches. The Spain captain joined from Manchester City during the transfer window in a deal worth 76.5m euros, including add-ons, with Barcelona beating competition from Real Madrid to secure his signature.

The 30-year-old has been managed carefully since his arrival. He joined Barcelona’s pre-season preparations late and had previously undergone a minor back procedure, prompting the club to take a cautious approach to his return to full fitness.

Rodri was not involved in Barcelona’s opening league game against Elche. He subsequently appeared as a substitute against Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano, accumulating just over 50 minutes across those two matches.

Since then, the midfielder has followed an individual training programme created by Barcelona’s fitness staff. The plan has been designed to speed up his recovery while also helping him adjust to Flick’s tactical system.

There had been speculation that Flick might continue to protect Rodri by keeping him on the bench for the Valencia match and instead target Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Feyenoord next week. However, the midfielder now appears ready to take the next step and begin a game in Barcelona colours at Mestalla.

The fixture is also expected to have personal significance for Rodri, as it will mark his 100th La Liga appearance.

Barcelona’s main concern before the match is the fitness of Lamine Yamal. The forward did not train with the squad on Saturday, leaving his involvement for the trip to Valencia in doubt.

Any absence would represent a significant blow for Flick as Barcelona attempt to maintain their perfect start and take advantage of Real Madrid’s defeat. The reigning champions began Matchday 4 with the opportunity to create an early gap at the summit, but much will depend on the final team selection and whether Lamine Yamal is cleared to play.

For Rodri, the match offers the prospect of a formal introduction to Barcelona’s starting XI after a carefully controlled beginning to his time at the club. His arrival was one of the most significant transfers of the window, and Sunday’s game could provide his first opportunity to influence a full match since moving from Manchester City.

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