Fлик expects Rodri and Balde to face Athletic Bilbao as Barcelona discuss Alvarez interest

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Rodri is expected to play against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, while Alejandro Balde will return to the squad for the rearranged La Liga fixture at Camp Nou.

Flick also confirmed that Gavi will remain unavailable for around another week, while explaining that Lamine Yamal’s frustration after being substituted against Elche was driven by his desire to keep playing rather than any serious concern over his condition.

“Rodri can play against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, and we are planning for him to feature,” Flick said at his pre-match news conference.

Athletic Bilbao will visit Barcelona in a fixture postponed from the opening round of the La Liga season. The match will be played at Camp Nou on Thursday.

Flick said Gavi was recovering well after the Elche match, but would not be ready to return immediately.

“Gavi is fine. He feels much better than he did after the Elche game. The tests showed that his situation is not bad. We have to wait a week before he comes back,” said the German manager.

He also confirmed that Balde would be included in the squad, following discussions about the defender’s commitment to the club and his own development.

“Alejandro Balde will be in the squad against Athletic Bilbao,” Flick said.

“I have spoken to him, of course, and for me, the important thing is that he is 100% committed to us and also 100% committed to his situation.”

Balde is only 22, and Flick stressed that the left-back still has significant room to improve despite the progress he has already made at Barcelona.

“As you know, he is only 22 years old. He is still a very young player and has great potential. I have always said that his first season here was excellent, as was the development he achieved. But now it is time for him to develop further,” Flick added.

Yamal’s reaction to being replaced during Barcelona’s match against Elche had attracted attention, but Flick said the forward had been affected by a headache after the game and was not currently at his best.

“Lamine had a headache after the Elche match. At the moment, he cannot be at his best, and that is normal. I am very grateful to him for playing 60 minutes. He helped us a lot, and he is in good condition,” Flick said.

“It is normal that he wants to play. When you are a true champion, you are always looking forward to winning the next title. That is his mentality. All the players in the team are hungry to win the league title for the third season in a row. We are ready, and we will fight for it.”

Barcelona have also been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez during the remaining days of the summer transfer window.

Flick declined to discuss the Argentina international directly, instead focusing on the club’s broader planning.

“I do not want to talk about Julian Alvarez; I want to talk about the situation at the club. We have made some very good signings,” he said.

“The club has to think about the future. As a coach, I ask for the best and for more, but in the end it may work or it may not work.”

Flick finished by reaffirming his belief in the current squad and the need to find practical solutions throughout the season.

“I have great confidence in the team, and we have to manage things and find solutions for some matches.”

The Barcelona manager also spoke about the continued arrival of young players from La Masia, saying three or four prospects emerge each year hoping to establish themselves in the senior team.

“Every year, three or four players come from La Masia who want to play. They have to be 100% committed to professional football,” Flick said.

“It is great to see how they develop and how they carry the Barcelona colours in their hearts. That is wonderful. But in the end, they also have to work hard every day and improve. That is their job, and that is what they have to do.”