The possible debut of Rodri Hernández, Barcelona's marquee signing, is one of the main storylines ahead of Thursday's clash against Athletic Club, which is looking to respond following its defeat to Sevilla at San Mamés.

The match will take place at Spotify Camp Nou at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick confirmed that the Spain captain will be included in the squad. However, the midfielder, who has been training at the same pace as his teammates since Monday, is not yet considered match-fit enough to start.

Will Rodri Hernández make his Barcelona debut?

Rodri Hernández's inclusion in the squad opens the door for his highly anticipated Barcelona debut.

Although he is not expected to start, the midfielder could get his first minutes in a Barcelona shirt against Athletic Club.

Hansi Flick will be without Gavi, who continues to recover from the knock to his right knee suffered at the Martínez Valero.

Alejandro Balde, who did not travel to Elche due to a technical decision, will be available.

Joao Cancelo and youngster Xavi Espart, who started on the left at the Martínez Valero, are competing for a place in a lineup that is not expected to feature many changes. One potential adjustment could see Pedri replace the injured Gavi.

Without the desired No. 9 in the squad, Raphinha, who scored twice in Barcelona's league opener, is once again expected to lead the attack.

Athletic Club looks to bounce back at Camp Nou

Athletic Club enters the match looking for a response after its defeat to Sevilla at San Mamés.

The difficult start to the Edin Terzic era leaves the German coach needing to accelerate the implementation of his playing style while also getting important players such as Oihan Sancet and Iñaki Williams back to their best.

World champions Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams, who only returned to the squad two weeks ago, are also working their way toward full fitness.

Both played the final half-hour of the league opener and could make their first starts of the season against Barcelona.

The challenge is particularly significant for an Athletic Club side that has not won at Spotify Camp Nou in almost a quarter of a century.

Barcelona and Athletic Club absences

Yuri Berchiche is one of Athletic's major absentees after receiving a straight red card just 11 minutes into the match against Sevilla and being handed a one-game suspension.

Edin Terzic will also be without Dani Vivian, who has been sidelined since the start of preseason with a right leg injury, and Beñat Prados, who is dealing with a minor muscular problem.

For Barcelona, Gavi is the main absentee, while Flick gets Balde back and will be able to include Rodri Hernández in the squad for the first time.

Projected lineups

Barcelona: Joan Garcia; Eric Garcia, Christensen, Gerard Martín, Xavi Espart; Bernal, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Gordon; Raphinha.

Athletic Club: Unai Simón; Areso, Yeray, Laporte, Adama; Gerenabarrena, Canales; Iñaki Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta.

Stadium: Spotify Camp Nou.
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET.

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