Barça travel to Valencia with 24-man squad and two absences

FC Barcelona have flown this afternoon to Valencia for their match against Levante aiming to stay top of LaLiga alone, as Mundo Deportivo reports. Hansi Flick named a squad of 24 players, with everyone available except the injured Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardaghji. The coach also leaves space for a young option: Jesse Bisiwu will strengthen Barça Atlètic.

Eric García returns

The big note in the call-up is the return of Eric García. Flick brings him back after serving a ban for his sending off against Feyenoord in the Champions League opener, Mundo Deportivo adds. Still, the manager will have to cut one player before confirming the starting XI.

Playing with a mask

There’s also a special situation to manage: the Martorell defender will wear a mask after an involuntary head clash with Rodri in Mestalla. That incident forced him off before time.

The Barça party is expected to land in Valencia after 19:30 and then move to the Westin hotel, their usual base when they travel to the city. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 16:15 at the Ciutat de València. The aim is to keep the strong start (4 wins from 4, including three five-goal results) and continue the momentum after the 5-0 opener versus Náxara, according to Mundo Deportivo.