Breaking: Wojciech Szczesny makes his debut for Barcelona as Hansi Flick names line-up for Copa del Rey clash against Barbastro

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is set to make his debut for Barcelona in their Copa del Rey clash against Barbastro on Saturday, January 4. The Polish goalkeeper came out of retirement to sign for the Catalans after starting goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen's season-ending injury.

Szczesny signed for Barcelona in October 2024 on a one-year deal despite having announced his retirement a month before. His signing came after Marc-Andre ter Stegen injured his right knee during a 5-1 LaLiga win against Villarreal on September 22.

However, Saturday's Copa del Rey clash against Barbastro marks the first time Szczesny plays for Barca as Inaki Pena has usually been guarding the goal in place of Ter Stegen.

Wojciech Szczesny is best known for his time at Juventus between 2017 and 2024, where he kept 103 clean sheets in 252 appearances. The Polish shot-stopped also played for Arsenal (2009 to 2017), maintaining 72 clean sheets in 181 outings.

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Barcelona's starting XI in their Copa del Rey clash against Barbastro explored

Hansi Flick - Source: Getty

Hansi Flick's starting XI against Barbastro features Wojciech Szczesny at the goal. The backline includes Gerard Martin, Inigo Martinez, Ronald Araujo, and Jules Kounde. The match marks Araujo's first appearance for Barcelona this season after a long-term injury absence since July 2024.

Eric Garcia and Frenkie de Jong form the double pivot. Pedri, Pablo Torre, and Fermin Lopez form the midfield with Robert Lewandowski as the sole striker.

Hansi Flick has decided to rest many of the usual starters for the clash against Barbastro, such as Raphinha, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, and Marc Casado.

It will be interesting to see how Szczesny performs for the Catalan side. It may determine whether he can get more minutes in other more significant games in the latter half of the season.