Barcelona summer arrival set to make his first start against Valencia

Barcelona summer arrival set to make his first start against Valencia FC Barcelona are back in action this Sunday evening as they get set to take on Valencia away at Mestalla in a Matchday 4 fixture of the 2026/27 La Liga. The Blaugrana are the only team with a perfect record in the league this season after Real Madrid’s loss to Real Betis on Friday night. And Sunday’s game presents Hansi Flick’s team the perfect chance to establish an early lead in the title race. Building up to the match, Barça have been dealt a fitness scare as Lamine Yamal did not train with the squad today , casting aspersions over his availability for the match. Rodri set to start However, in a positive bit of update, Javi Miguel of AS reports that Barcelona’s marquee summer signing Rodri appears set to make his first start for the club against Valencia. First start awaits. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The 30-year-old Spain captain joined Barça from Manchester City in the summer, with the Catalans beating Real Madrid for his signing. The La Liga champions shelled out a transfer fee of €76.5 million, including add-ons, for the World Cup winner. However, considering that he joined pre-season in the final stages and had previously undergone a minor back procedure, Hansi Flick & co. have been easing him back when it comes to his integration into the team. Rodri was not part of the opening game in La Liga against Elche, but featured as a substitute against Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano, clocking a little over 50 minutes combined. Rodri’s moment finally here? 100th La Liga appearance incoming. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Rodri has been working hard in training on a specific individual programme designed by Barcelona’s fitness coaches in order to speed up his integration. And, even though there were suggestions that Flick might hold him back for next week’s UEFA Champions League opener against Feyenoord, it appears that the World Cup Golden Ball winner could make his first start in Blaugrana colours tomorrow at Mestalla. It will prove to be a memorable occasion for Rodri, as it will mark his 100th La Liga appearance in total, having featured 97 times previously during his time at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.