La Liga: New arrival Rodri to miss Elche opener, says Barca’s coach

Barcelona's new midfield signing, Rodri, will not feature in the club's opening La Liga match against Elche on Sunday, coach Hansi Flick announced. The Spanish international, who joined from Manchester City, is expected to integrate with the squad on Monday and potentially play in their second fixture against Athletic Bilbao.

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He’s very concentrated, focused, our plan is that he will arrive on Monday with the team.

"He’s very concentrated, focused, our plan is that he will arrive on Monday with the team," Flick told reporters. He described Rodri as a "fantastic player, a leader, and his personality is very great." Barcelona secured the World Cup winner for a fee that could reach 76.5 million euros to strengthen their midfield, especially after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

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He’s a fantastic player, a leader, and his personality is very great.

While Barcelona is still seeking a striker, Flick highlighted the impressive pre-season form of 18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, who netted four goals in friendlies. "Hamza is having a really great pre-season," Flick said. "He’s a number nine, he’s young, and he has a lot of potential, and also he scored goals. This is the important thing when you’re playing in this position, and he made a great job."

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Hamza is having a really great pre-season. He’s a number nine, he’s young, and he has a lot of potential, and also he scored goals. This is the important thing when you’re playing in this position, and he made a great job.

New winger signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, along with Raphinha and Dani Olmo, can also operate as false nines. Flick also confirmed that recent full-back acquisition Joao Cancelo is available for the trip to Elche. "He’s ready to play. He has unbelievable technique and a lot of passion," Flick added.

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He’s ready to play. He has unbelievable technique and a lot of passion.