Barcelona to face Elche in La Liga opener without new signing Rodri

Barcelona will open their 2026‑27 La Liga campaign on Sunday at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero against Elche, but they will do so without recent acquisition Rodri. The 25‑year‑old Spanish midfielder, signed from Manchester City for a reported €70 million in the summer window, has been ruled out after a hamstring strain suffered during pre‑season training. The injury is expected to keep him sidelined for several weeks, delaying his debut for the club.

Coach Xavi Hernández will rely on the existing midfield core, including Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, to maintain the team's tactical rhythm against a mid‑table Elche side that finished 12th last season. Barcelona will look to secure three points to set a positive tone for the campaign while managing the absence of their new signing, who is expected to return to full fitness in the coming weeks.