Barcelona Confirm 22-Man Squad for Galatasaray Clash as Four Players Miss Out

Barcelona have confirmed their 22-man squad for the UEFA Champions League meeting with Galatasaray in Istanbul, with Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji all unavailable for the European fixture.

The Barcelona squad vs Galatasaray announcement, released on October 12, 2026, leaves head coach Hansi Flick preparing for a demanding away match without several important members of his first-team group. The Catalan side will travel to Turkey aiming to maintain their impressive start to the 2026–27 campaign.

Raphinha’s absence is particularly significant because the Brazilian winger remains an influential part of Barcelona’s attacking structure. However, the club is taking a cautious approach to his fitness after he experienced a muscular problem while representing Brazil during the international break.

De Jong is also continuing his recovery, while Christensen and Bardghji remain sidelined with their respective injury problems.

Despite these absences, Barcelona have plenty of attacking and midfield options available. Players such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Dani Olmo and Fermín López could play important roles as Flick prepares his team for the challenge in Istanbul.

According to the club’s official squad announcement, 22 players have been selected for the second matchday of the Champions League league phase.

Barcelona Squad vs Galatasaray: The Four Absentees

Barcelona’s confirmed squad contains several notable omissions, with four players left out because of fitness concerns.

1. Raphinha: Barcelona Take a Cautious Approach

Raphinha is one of the most important players unavailable for the trip to Istanbul. The Brazilian international experienced a muscular issue after returning from international duty, prompting Barcelona’s medical staff to monitor his condition carefully.

The problem has not been described as a major injury, but the club does not want to risk making it worse by bringing him back too early.

Flick previously explained that Barcelona needed to be careful with the winger, particularly given his history of physical problems during the previous campaign. As a result, Raphinha was unavailable for the league meeting with Getafe and has also been ruled out against Galatasaray.

His absence creates a challenge for Barcelona’s attacking plans. Raphinha provides direct running, pressing intensity, creativity and the ability to contribute goals from wide positions.

Without him, Flick must find alternative ways to stretch the opposition’s defence and create opportunities in the final third.

Lamine Yamal could carry additional creative responsibility, while other attacking players may receive more opportunities to influence the match.

Barcelona will nevertheless hope Raphinha can return once he is sufficiently recovered. Protecting his long-term fitness could prove more valuable than rushing him back for a single European fixture.

2. Frenkie de Jong Continues His Recovery

Frenkie de Jong is another important absentee for Barcelona’s trip to Turkey.

The Dutch midfielder has been working towards a return after an extended spell away from competitive action. Although he has progressed to on-pitch training, he has not yet been included in the travelling squad for the Galatasaray match.

His continued absence means Flick must manage the midfield without one of the team’s most technically accomplished players.

De Jong is valued for his ability to carry possession through pressure, dictate the tempo and connect the defensive and attacking phases. His movement can help Barcelona escape tight situations and establish control against opponents who press aggressively.

However, the club’s decision to leave him out suggests that his recovery is not yet complete enough for a competitive return.

Barcelona will need to rely on their available midfielders to maintain possession and control the rhythm of the match. Pedri, Gavi, Fermín López and other selected players offer Flick several options, although each brings a different tactical profile.

The priority will be to ensure that De Jong returns when he is ready rather than exposing him to unnecessary physical demands.

3. Andreas Christensen Remains Sidelined

Defender Andreas Christensen is also absent from the squad after suffering a muscle injury during Barcelona’s match against Sevilla.

His unavailability reduces Flick’s defensive options, particularly when preparing for an away match against an opponent capable of creating pressure in front of its home supporters.

Christensen’s experience and composure can be useful in matches where Barcelona must defend transitions and maintain concentration under pressure.

With the Danish international unavailable, other defenders will have to shoulder the responsibility of protecting the goal and managing Galatasaray’s attacking threats.

Barcelona have included Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé, Eric García, Gerard Martín, João Cancelo and Alejandro Balde in the travelling group. That selection gives Flick a number of options when deciding how to organise his back line.

The final defensive arrangement will depend on tactical considerations, player fitness and the coach’s assessment of the opposition.

Christensen’s absence is another reminder that Barcelona must manage their squad carefully during a busy period of domestic and European competition.

4. Roony Bardghji Misses the European Trip

Roony Bardghji completes the list of four unavailable players.

The young attacker has been unable to join the travelling group because of his injury situation. His absence removes another option from Barcelona’s attacking rotation, although the squad still contains several players capable of operating in advanced positions.

Bardghji’s development will depend on his recovery and opportunities to gain experience once he is fit to return.

For Flick, the immediate task is to organise the available players into a balanced side capable of maintaining Barcelona’s attacking threat without overburdening individuals.

With Raphinha also missing, the coaching staff will need to consider how best to distribute attacking responsibilities across the squad.

Barcelona’s Full 22-Man Squad to Face Galatasaray

Barcelona have selected 22 players for their trip to Istanbul. The confirmed list includes established first-team names and younger options who could contribute if required