Renee Van Asten returns as Barça gear up for Roma with a fuller squad

FC Barcelona head to Roma today (18:45) with a much more complete squad after recovering five players for the second round of the Champions League league phase, with coach Pere Romeu also planning for Sunday’s Clasico vs Real Madrid (17:00).

The headline is the return of Renee Van Asten, back from injury. With her, the four World Cup Under-20 winners join the group again: Carla Julià, Aïcha, Noa Jiménez and Rosalía. The setup is further boosted by Aitana’s recent return, giving Romeu more options to shape the starting XI and rotate in a schedule with two demanding matches in four days.

The only first-team absences are Laia Aleixandri, Kika Nazareth and Vicky López. López was called up yesterday by the Spain national team despite still being in the final stage of recovery.

Barça began their European campaign with a 5-2 win over Paris FC and currently sit second on goal difference. A win in Roma could take them back towards the top. The hosts, AS Roma, were held 0-0 by OH Leuven and missed a penalty in stoppage time (per Mundo Deportivo), so they will aim to bounce back at home.