Jagoba Arrasate publicly described the winter transfer market as improvable and accepted responsibility for the team’s performances.That stance increases attention on his selection choices for a fixture where Mallorca have not won since 2008.
The coach noted there are many options for the starting eleven and said he may keep much of the side that beat Sevilla in the previous match.
The victory over Sevilla was presented as necessary; the club now aim to back it up with a positive result at Camp Nou and try to string together consecutive wins.
Zito Luvumbo is a recent arrival and was identified by Arrasate as a player expected to make an immediate impact. Whether he makes his debut in Barcelona is uncertain.
There is a reported naming inconsistency involving a player listed as Jan Salas and Jan Virgili; it is possible these references point to the same individual who has returned to the squad.
Availability adds to the selection challenge
The squad announcement highlights absences and limited preparation that affect choices on matchday. Asano is out injured and Abdón Prats is unavailable for personal reasons. Antonio Raïllo travels despite ongoing clavicle issues.
Marash Kumbulla has completed one full training session since joining the group, which leaves him with restricted preparation time. Those factors narrow options and increase reliance on players who featured against Sevilla.
Arrasate’s comments, the mix of newcomers and fitness concerns, and the century-long wait for a Camp Nou victory all feed into heightened expectations. The exact starting lineup was not confirmed and remains open to selection choices ahead of kickoff.
