Defending La Liga champions Barcelona open their title defence on Sunday with an away fixture against a heavily restructured Elche side, as coach Hansi Flick navigates a squad still finding its feet ahead of the new campaign.

New Arrivals Shape a Revamped Attack

Barcelona head into matchday one with a notably different look. Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi bring fresh pace and directness to the wings, while Spain international Rodrigo Hernandez has bolstered the midfield. Joao Cancelo has also completed a permanent return to the club after a productive loan spell in the second half of last season.

Yet for all the new arrivals, a conspicuous gap remains. Barcelona have not secured a direct replacement for either Robert Lewandowski or Ferran Torres, leaving Flick potentially without a recognised central striker from the outset.

False Nine Options and Youth in the Mix

Fermin Lopez has indicated his readiness to operate as a false No. 9, with Lamine Yamal, Gordon, Adeyemi, and Raphinha providing Flick with a fluid, interchangeable attacking unit. The setup prioritises movement over a fixed focal point — a tactical bet that will face its first real test at Elche.

One name generating considerable attention is Hamza Abdelkarim, the 18-year-old Egyptian forward who caught the eye during pre-season with his performances and goal returns. Abdelkarim, who joined on a permanent deal at the start of the summer, has been included in the first-team squad, and contract extension talks are reportedly underway.

Fitness Concerns Over World Cup Returnees

Flick faces a careful workload management challenge with several senior players. Yamal, Gordon, Pedri, Jules Kounde, and Eric Garcia are all likely to have their minutes restricted following their involvement in the World Cup. Rodrigo and Cancelo face even tighter limitations, having had minimal training time with their new teammates since completing their moves.

That limited availability, however, could accelerate opportunities for Barcelona's emerging talents.

Young Players Eye First-Team Openings

Defender Xavi Espart is among those who could benefit. The youngster made a strong impression during pre-season and has built a compelling case for inclusion. He could feature against Elche as Flick looks to blend experience with youth from the season's very first game.

What to Watch on Matchday One

Sunday's fixture will offer the first concrete signals of how Flick intends to deploy his squad — balancing a revamped attack, managing post-tournament fatigue, and integrating new signings who are still short on match fitness. How Barcelona navigate these early constraints could set the tone for their entire title defence.