Barcelona lineup vs. Elche: Projected starting XI, team news, injuries as Casado replaces banned Pedri

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Barcelona play host to Elche on November 2 as Hansi Flick's side return to La Liga action.

The German boss was forced to watch on from the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu stands due to a one-match suspension as the defending champions lost 2-1 in the capital.

First-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham secured a debut El Clasico victory for Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid opened up a five-point gap at the top.

Flick will be demanding a reaction from his squad with a Champions League trip to Club Brugge on the horizon next week.

Elche have enjoyed a strong return to La Liga following their promotion at the end of 2024/25 but they have never beaten Barcelona in their long club history.

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Barcelona lineup vs. Elche: Starting XI

Szczesny (GK)

Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde

De Jong, Casado

Lamine Yamal, F. Lopez, Rashford

Torres

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Barcelona team news

Flick will be forced into at least one change, after Pedri was sent off in the final minutes in Madrid, and the Spain international will serve a one-game ban.

The club have also confirmed a fresh hamstring strain for their No.8 and he is not expected back until after the international break in mid-November.

Marc Casado is set to replace him and Ronald Araujo could rotate in for Eric Garcia after he struggled in the El Clasico loss.

Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford will continue as part of a front four with the England international teeing up Lopez for a goal at the Bernabeu last weekend

Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski remain out of action meaning Ferran Torres will lead the attack once again.

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Barcelona injury list

Below is the latest injury picture for Barcelona, and estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.

Joan Garcia

  • Injury: Meniscus tear (left knee)
  • Expected return date: November 2025

Garcia required arthroscopic surgery on a damaged meniscus in September. The goalkeeper is expected to return in early November.

Gavi

  • Injury: Meniscus damage (right knee)
  • Expected return date: February 2026

Gavi suffered damage to his right knee during an August training session. The midfielder avoided an ACL tear but required surgery to repair the meniscus. He's expected to face five months on the sidelines.

Robert Lewandowski

  • Injury: Hamstring (left leg)
  • Expected return date: November 2025

Lewandowski's latest muscle issue is expected to see him miss a few weeks, so he could be back just before the November break.

Dani Olmo

  • Injury: Calf (left leg)
  • Expected return date: November 2025

Olmo sustained a calf injury with Spain during the October international break. It's estimated he will be back in the early part of November.

Raphinha

  • Injury: Hamstring (right leg)
  • Expected return date: Early November

Raphinha was expected to be out for three weeks, but he suffered a small setback ahead of El Clasico, and Flick could hold him back for the Brugge game.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

  • Injury: Lower back
  • Expected return date: Uncertain

Ter Stegen's back surgery in July sparked a mini crisis at Barca, who stripped him of the captaincy before reinstating him after accepting his version of how long he expected to be sidelined. The Germany keeper could be back before the end of the year, but it is unclear at this moment.

Pedri

  • Injury: Hamstring (left leg)
  • Expected return date: November

Pedri has been vital for Barcelona this season, with his historic injury issues now resolved, this latest issue is not expected to keep him out for long. He may be omitted from Spain duty in November with Luis de la Fuente's team already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Barcelona vs. Elche match details

  • Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
  • Kickoff time: 6:30 p.m. local / 1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT / 4:30 a.m. AEDT (Nov. 3)
  • Location: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona (Spain)
  • Competition: La Liga matchweek 11
  • Referee: TBA
  • VAR: TBA

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