MADRID, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona is set to make its long-awaited return to the Camp Nou Stadium, facing Athletic Club Bilbao in its spiritual home on Saturday afternoon after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus.
Around 46,000 fans - some of whom have paid up to 1,000 euros for a ticket - will be in the stands for what promises to be a historic occasion which a bit of extra spice added into the mix in the shape of Nico Williams.
Athletic is expected to have Nico in its starting lineup. The younger Williams brother turned down a move to Barcelona for the second consecutive summer, opting instead to commit to a new long-term deal with the Basque club, dealing a blow to Barcelona's image.
Nico's season has been hampered by pubalgia, limiting his play and training time. However, he scored a stunning goal in Athletic's victory over Oviedo before the international break. After training with the squad for the past week, a fit Williams poses a clear threat to Barcelona's defense.
Lamine Yamal missed Spain's last two international matches due to treatment for pelvic problems, similar to Williams', and is doubtful for the match. Spain international Pedri, who has been back in training following a hamstring injury, is also doubtful. Given Pedri's injury history, Barca coach Hansi Flick is unlikely to take any risks with him, especially with Frenkie de Jong suspended after his sending-off in Vigo before the break.
Flick could move Eric Garcia into central midfield alongside Marc Casado and Fermin Lopez or Marc Bernal.
The good news for Barcelona is that Raphinha should be fit to play a part in the match following his injury issues, leaving Flick to decide between the Brazilian and Marcus Rashford for the left wing.
Meanwhile, Oihan Sancet has options of taking part for Athletic after his latest muscle injury, but Nico's older brother, Inaki won't recover from his hamstring issue in time for Saturday.
Barcelona has not allocated any tickets to Athletic fans due to ongoing work that prevents proper fan segregation in the Camp Nou stands. ■
