Barca's first squad list without Messi... and with Depay
This Sunday morning, Barcelona announced their first official squad list after the departure of Leo Messi. In it are new signings Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal.
Barcelona now know what players will feature in their league opener. Ronald Koeman has selected a 23-man squad to take on Real Sociedad in their first game of the 2021/22 La Liga season. It is, in fact, the first squad list in which Leo Messi doesn't feature. The Argentine was presented by PSG this Saturday in the preview to their match against Strasbourg.
Three of the four new Barca signings from this summer's window stand out amongst the 23 names in the list. Memphis Depay, Emerson Royal and Eric Garcia all feature, with Sergio Aguero out until November through injury. In addition, there are six academy graduates on the list, two of whom are goalkeepers. Of the homegrown talents, most hopes are pinned on Demir after his performances during pre-season.
Pedri doesn't get a rest, as he comes straight back in to the squad. The youngster played the entirety of last season, followed by the European Championships and then the Olympic Games which finished just a week ago. Three players that initially looked a doubt are now able to feature. The club informed that De Jong, Lenglet and Gavi have recovered in time from their respective knocks and have been given the all clear from the medical team.
Barcelona's first squad list for the 2021/22 season is as follows: Dest, Piqué, Araujo, Busquets, Riqui Puig, Griezmann, Depay, Braithwaite, Neto, Rey Manaj, Lenglet, Pedri, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong, Emerson, Eric García, Iñaki Peña, Demir, Nico, Gavi, Balde and Arnau Tenas.
There are four significant absenties that don't feature for tactical reasons. Samuel Umtiti, Miralem Pjanic - who Juventus continue to be linked with - Philippe Coutinho and Alex Collado all miss out.