Barcelona will play their second home game of the season at the Spotify Camp Nou on Monday when they host Rayo Vallecano<\/a> in a matchday 2 encounter of the new La Liga<\/a> season.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n FC Barcelona<\/a> enter their Matchday 3 La Liga<\/a> clash with several key midfield absentees, forcing manager Hansi Flick to shuffle his options.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Catalan giants will definitely be without Gavi<\/a>, who is ruled out due to a right knee injury sustained during the season opener against Elche.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n While the medical staff has avoided a rushed return, his recovery is being handled carefully for a mid-September comeback. Frenkie de Jong also remains sidelined with a lingering knee injury from the World Cup, and while his recovery is progressing well, he lacks a definitive return date.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Long-term absentee Roony Bardghji remains out alongside Marc Casad\u00f3. On a positive note, Lamine Yamal<\/a> is fully fit and expected to start despite recent match-fitness concerns following his summer break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Marquee signing Rodri is pushing for his first start after making a brief debut off the bench last week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Rayo Vallecano face a challenging trip to the Spotify Camp Nou with critical absences in defensive positions and lingering doubts over key figures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The visitors are officially without starting goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, who suffered a fractured tibia in their recent fixture against Alav\u00e9s, leaving Dani C\u00e1rdenas to deputise between the posts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Defender Luiz Felipe is also completely unavailable as he continues to rehabilitate a long-term hamstring injury.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Further complicating matters, Isi Palaz\u00f3n is a major late fitness doubt after picking up a muscle injury, though his return to light training offers a slim glimmer of hope.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Centre-back Marash Kumbulla is similarly uncertain as he recovers from a fitness issue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Meanwhile, midfielder Path\u00e9 Ciss remains a doubt for non-medical reasons, having missed training sessions amid ongoing transfer speculation as the window nears its close.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n FC Barcelona<\/a> are in pristine form under Hansi Flick, enjoying a perfect start to the new La Liga<\/a> campaign. They currently sit at the top of the table after securing consecutive victories in their opening matches. The Catalan side kicked off the season with a commanding 5-0 away win against Elche, followed by a dominant 2-0 home victory over Athletic Club, showcasing an efficient attack and a solid defense.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Rayo Vallecano have endured a sluggish start to their season, managing only one point from their initial two fixtures. They opened their campaign with a narrow 2-1 defeat on the road against Sevilla. The Madrid-based outfit followed that up with a 1-1 draw at home against Deportivo Alav\u00e9s, where Sergio Camello scored the opener before they ultimately conceded a late equaliser.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Barcelona:<\/strong> J. Garcia; E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin, Espart; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha; Gordon<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Rayo Vallecano:<\/strong> Cardenas; Vertrouwd, Fernandez, Lejeune, Ratiu; Lopez, Diaz, Valentin; Perez, Camello, De Frutos<\/p>\n<\/div>\nBarcelona vs Rayo Vallecano<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Match preview and team news<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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