Rodri to miss Barca La Liga opener; Flick confident

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confirmed new signing Rodri will miss the Spanish champions' La Liga season opener against Elche on Sunday, August 23, but expressed confidence in his squad's attacking options despite the club's ongoing search for a striker.

Flick told reporters on Saturday that the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner and Spain World Cup captain, signed from Manchester City in a deal worth up to 76.5 million euros, would not be available for the trip to Elche. "Our plan is that he will arrive on Monday with the team," Flick said, indicating Rodri could be in contention for the following match against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, August 27. "He's very concentrated, focused... He's a fantastic player, a leader, and his personality is very great."

The absence of Rodri comes as Barcelona continues to address a significant void at striker following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, the team's leading center-forwards last season. Flick acknowledged the club is still seeking a number nine in the transfer market. While previous links to Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez have faded, with Atlético coach Diego Simeone confirming the Argentine will remain at his club,...