Rodri Excluded from Barcelona's Season Opener Against Elche CF

Rodri, a significant summer signing for FC Barcelona, will not be part of the team's opening match of the 2026-27 La Liga season against Elche CF on August 23.

The decision stems from Rodri's lack of match fitness after completing his transfer to Barcelona, which followed a post-World Cup break and recovery from a minor back procedure. He has only participated in a few training sessions with the team.

Head coach Hansi Flick opted to keep Rodri in Catalonia to continue his recovery instead of including him in the 23-man squad for the match. Gavi and Marc Bernal are expected to fill the midfield roles in his absence. Flick noted that Rodri has been following a specific conditioning program to regain his fitness, with hopes of integrating him into the squad for the upcoming match against Athletic Bilbao on August 27.