Udinese vs. Barcelona - News - August 08, 2026

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Eric Garcia - Reports back ahead of schedule Garcia has rejoined training ahead of schedule as Barcelona ramps up preparations for the new season, the club announced.

Impact Garcia enjoyed his most consistent season yet in 2025-26, making 34 appearances as a versatile piece for the champions, capable of filling in at center back, right back or even in midfield under coach Hansi Flick. That flexibility is precisely what keeps him on the field so often, even if his production stayed modest with just one goal and one assist. He returned to training early alongside Anthony Gordon and Joan Garcia after a limited role for Spain at the World Cup. Garcia is expected to continue serving as a valuable multi-positional option as Barcelona builds toward the new campaign.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Joan Garcia - Back early for new season Garcia has resumed training early for the new season with FC Barcelona, the club announced.

Impact Garcia was a revelation in his debut Barcelona campaign, keeping 15 clean sheets in 30 matches and pushing for the Zamora Trophy as one of LaLiga's premier goalkeepers, backed by strong save numbers behind a possession-heavy side. He returned to training a few days ahead of schedule alongside Anthony Gordon and Eric Garcia after playing a limited role for Spain at the World Cup. As Barcelona's established number one under coach Hansi Flick, there's no rotation risk clouding his outlook. Garcia is expected to remain a central figure in Barcelona's setup as the club builds toward the new campaign.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Anthony Gordon - Ready for new season Gordon is back from vacation and ready for the new season with Barcelona following his participation with England at the World Cup, the club announced.

Impact Gordon contributed a goal and three assists across six appearances during the tournament, continuing to show the pace and directness that have made him one of the most dynamic attackers in Europe. He scored 17 goals and added five assists across 41 appearances in all competitions last season, numbers that reflect his growing threat in front of goal to go with his creativity. Capable of playing either left wing or as a central striker, his versatility gives Barcelona added flexibility in attack.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Raphinha - Scores in return to action Raphinha (hamstring) started and converted a penalty kick during Saturday's friendly meeting with Nottingham Forest.

Impact Raphinha finally made his competitive comeback after sustaining a muscular injury while representing Brazil at the World Cup. The star attacker has stood out as one of Barca's most impressive players over the last couple of seasons, and his role is unlikely to change significantly as long as he stays healthy over the next year, even though the arrival of offseason signing Anthony Gordon could reduce his playing time or push him to a more centralized spot at times. Before having his World Cup campaign cut short by the injury, Raphinha was coming off a 16-goal and five-assist campaign across league and European competitions in 2025/26.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Alejandro Balde - Plays in offseason match Balde (groin) participated in Saturday's practice matchup against Udinese.

Impact Balde has regained fitness and is an option for the initial stages of the 2026/27 campaign, but given the tricky nature of pubalgia issues, he might see his workload managed if he feels pain again at some point. The wide player should be a settled starter at left-back if he maintains a convincing level throughout the season. In that case, he'll attempt to improve on his previous La Liga numbers of 23 chances created, 28 crosses (six accurate), 35 tackles (23 won) and two assists across 28 appearances.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

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Udinese vs. Barcelona - News: Aug 8, 2026

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