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Camp Nou return: The Barcelona stars who could make debut appearance at new stadium vs Athletic Club

Camp Nou return: The Barcelona stars who could make debut appearance at new stadium vs Athletic Club
Barcelona's Joan Garcia walks out at the Camp Nou - Photo by IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Barcelona are just days away from playing at the Camp Nou for the first time since May 2023.

The Catalan giants have made Montjuic their temporary home while renovation works have taken place at the Camp Nou.

However, the Montjuic era is officially over, with Hansi Flick's side looking forward to facing Athletic Club in Saturday's La Liga clash at Camp Nou.

Having spent two years away from Camp Nou, there is a collection of the first team squad that are yet to represent Barcelona at the iconic stadium.

Barcelona's Dani Olmo trains at Camp Nou
Barcelona's Dani Olmo trains at Camp Nou – Photo by IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Nine players set for Camp Nou debuts

As per Mundo Deportivo, nine members of the Barcelona squad are waiting to make their competitive debuts at the venue.

Spain international Dani Olmo is among those who are set to make his Camp Nou bow, with the attacker hoping to get minutes in Saturday's league fixture. Olmo came through the youth ranks at Barcelona before leaving for Dinamo Zagreb in 2014, before moving on to German side RB Leipzig. The 27-year-old returned to Barcelona in 2024 after the club had already completed their temporary move to Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys.

Academy products Pau Cubarsi, Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado, Gerard Martin, Marc Bernal and Dro Fernandez are all waiting to get their first taste of senior action on the Camp Nou pitch.

Cubarsi and Fermin will be in contention to start, while Casado, Martin, Bernal and Fernandez are likely to be on the bench for the meeting with Ernesto Valverde's side.

Summer additions Joan Garcia and Roony Bardghji are both eagerly anticipating their first outings at Camp Nou, with the former set to make his return from injury on Saturday.

Garcia is set to replace Wojciech Szczesny, who has previously played at Camp Nou for an opposing team, similar to Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford. However, Szczesny and Rashford are waiting to get the chance to play at Camp Nou in a Barcelona jersey.

FGG says: Barcelona's extra motivation

Barcelona have won all five of their home league games this season, so they have clearly learned to adapt to their temporary surroundings at Montjuic.

With that said, the chance to play for the first time at Camp Nou for nine of the squad will undoubtedly act as great motivation for Saturday's contest.

Even those players who have previously played at the stadium will be desperate to make a positive impression in the first game back at the venue.

Ben is a freelance sports writer with years of experience. He is an avid Portsmouth fan and has had the privilege of seeing Ronaldinho play against his beloved club. Ben also loves watching and discussing all things European football, particularly La Liga. Away from football, he is passionate about cricket and Formula 1, and regards Lewis Hamilton as his sporting hero.

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