Rodri is edging closer to a starting role with Barcelona after completing his individualized rehabilitation and fitness program. The Spanish midfielder, who joined the club late, missed the full preseason and needed extra time to adapt following his intense involvement with Spain at the World Cup. Now training normally with the squad, all eyes are on coach Hansi Flick to decide when to hand him a place in the starting XI.
Flick’s Selection Dilemma
According to reports from Sport, Flick is weighing his options. Rodri could make his first start in Sunday’s away match against Valencia at Mestalla, or the coach might wait for the more high-profile Champions League clash with Feyenoord on Wednesday. The coaching staff is carefully managing Rodri’s training load to ensure he reaches peak physical condition for the long, demanding season ahead, avoiding burnout early on.
Early Cameos Show Promise
Rodri has so far played 27 minutes against Athletic Bilbao and 26 minutes against Rayo Vallecano. In those brief appearances, he provided Barcelona with greater composure and control over the tempo, especially when the team’s play became too hurried.
Bernal’s Form Provides Cover
Marc Bernal has impressed during Rodri’s absence, performing so well that Barcelona feels no urgency to rush their new signing into full action. Bernal’s displays give Flick the flexibility to rotate the two midfielders, though expectations are that Rodri will be the preferred choice for major matches once he reaches full fitness.
A Daunting Schedule Ahead
Rodri is likely to play a significant role against Valencia, whether from the start or off the bench. His chances of beginning the Feyenoord match at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday, September 9, appear much higher. Barcelona faces a congested fixture list before the international break: Feyenoord (Wednesday), Levante away (Sunday, September 13), Racing at home (Wednesday, September 16), and Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán (Saturday, September 19). This grueling run demands careful management of players’ physical loads, with Rodri a top priority.
International Duty Looms for Spain’s Captain
Rodri’s commitments extend beyond Barcelona. He is set to join Spain for the upcoming international window as captain of La Roja, following their World Cup triumph. Spain will play four Nations League matches, including a high-profile encounter with England at Wembley on September 27—their first game since adding a second star to their shirt. They also face Czech Republic and Croatia twice during the two-week break.
De la Fuente’s Rotation Plans
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is cautious with his players’ fitness and will manage Rodri’s minutes flexibly. He has a reliable alternative in Martín Zubimendi, who recently lost his starting spot at Arsenal but retains the coach’s full confidence. Zubimendi came on for an exhausted Rodri in extra time of the World Cup final and delivered a strong performance.
Both Barcelona and Spain have options to give Rodri rest. Bernal serves as a solution for Flick, while Zubimendi can cover for the national team, with Gavi also capable of playing in front of the defense. Rodri has quickly earned admiration from teammates for his dedication on and off the pitch, with younger players viewing him as a role model and veterans considering him a key reference in the dressing room.