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[monks data]
Valencia logo
La Liga | Gameweek 1
Aug 17, 2024 at 8.30pm UK
Estadio de Mestalla
Barcelona logo

Valencia
1 - 2
Barcelona

Duro (44')
Pepelu (38'), Vazquez (45+5'), Baraja (57')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Lewandowski (45+5', 49' pen.)
Cubarsi (45+2'), Christensen (69'), Kounde (81')

Why is Ilkay Gundogan absent for Barcelona against Valencia?

No Gundogan: Why is German missing for Barcelona against Valencia?
© Reuters
Ilkay Gundogan will not feature for Barcelona in their opening match of the 2024-25 La Liga campaign against Valencia.

Ilkay Gundogan is a notable absentee from the Barcelona squad for Saturday's 2024-25 La Liga opener against Valencia, but it is understood that it is not transfer-related.

There is currently speculation surrounding the Germany international's future, with some reports in Spain claiming that Gundogan could leave Camp Nou before this summer's transfer window closes for business.

However, according to journalist Samuel Marsden, Gundogan is not in the squad against Valencia on Saturday as a precaution, as he suffered a head injury during Barcelona's clash with Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Monday.

The 33-year-old will therefore be made to wait for his first appearance of the new campaign, and it would be a surprise if he departed before the end of the month despite the recent transfer talk.

In his absence, Marc Bernal and Marc Casado are operating in midfield against Valencia, with Ferran Torres also potentially dropping into a deeper area.

Hansi Flick's side currently have big problems in the middle of midfield, as Gavi and Frenkie de Jong are also absent through injury, but Pedri is back on the bench for the clash with Valencia in a huge fitness boost.

BARCELONA XI: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; Casado, Bernal; Yamal, F Torres, Raphinha; Lewandowski

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How you voted: Valencia vs Barcelona

Valencia
9.8%
Draw
9.2%
Barcelona
80.9%
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Head Coach Hansi Flick FC Barcelona, Barca gestures during a FC Barcelona training session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper in Barcelona, Spain, on July 19 2024
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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