Despite the constant drama within the club, Hansi Flick has positioned Barcelona as a legitimate league and European title contender in 2025/26.
As the calendar turned to the new year, Barcelona were four points clear at the top of the La Liga standings, and lifted the Supercopa de Espana trophy with another memorable Clasico win over Real Madrid.
A 4-1 win over Copenhagen on the final matchday of the league phase secured their place in the Champions League Round of 16, and this week, they face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. The quadruple is still on.
Part of Flick's success has been down to squad fitness, something Barcelona has struggled with over recent seasons. Largely, the Catalan club has enjoyed a strong bill of health, albeit with a few lingering concerns.
The Sporting News details how Barcelona fare from an injury perspective as they jaunt through the early part of 2026.
MORE: An updated look at the 2025/26 La Liga top goal scorers list
Barcelona injury list
Below is the latest injury picture for Real Madrid, including estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.
Marcus Rashford
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: February 16 (vs. Girona)
Rashford suffered an impact injury to his left knee in the win over Mallorca and will sit out the Atletico game on February 12. The England forward could be back in time for Monday's game with Girona.
Raphinha
Injury: Adductor
Expected return date: February 16 (vs. Girona)
Raphinha has a minor strain in his right adductor muscle and missed the Copa win over Albacete and league victory over Mallorca. It is hoped he will be fit for the Catalan derby on February 16, with the first leg against Atletico too much of a risk.
Pedri
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: February 22 (vs. Levante)
Pedri was substituted in the 4-2 Champions League win over Slavia Prague, and the club later confirmed he had suffered a hamstring injury that would likely sideline him for a month. He was expected to miss the next six games or so but could return for the La Liga match with Levante, which is provisionally scheduled for February 22.
Gavi
Injury: Meniscus damage (right knee)
Expected return date: February
Gavi suffered damage to his right knee during an August training session. The midfielder avoided an ACL tear but required surgery to repair the meniscus. He is on track to return in February, as expected, although Flick has insisted he will not rush Gavi back until he is completely ready.
Andreas Christensen
Injury: Partial ACL tear (left knee)
Expected return date: April
The Denmark international picked up a serious knee injury during a training session before a match against Villarreal in late December. While he does not need surgery, it will take some time before he will return. The expectation is that he will be sidelined for four months to recover.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs. Atletico Madrid
Formation: 4-2-3-1
J. Garcia (GK)
Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde
Casado, Olmo
Lamine Yamal, Lopez, Bardghji
Torres
Barcelona fixture schedule: Next five games
Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona | Copa del Rey (1st leg) | Thursday, February 12
Girona vs. Barcelona | La Liga | Monday, February 16
Barcelona vs. Levante | La Liga | Sunday, February 22
Barcelona vs. Villarreal | La Liga | Saturday, February 28
Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid | Copa del Rey (2nd leg) | Tuesday, March 3