Spanish midfielder Rodri is nearing a regular starting role with Barcelona after completing his specialized rehabilitation and fitness program, making him ready to train normally alongside his teammates, as coach Hans Flick awaits the right moment to insert him into the starting lineup.
Rodri joined Barcelona late, which prevented him from participating fully in the team's pre-season preparations. He also required additional time to adapt following his intensive involvement with the Spanish national team during the World Cup, where he exerted tremendous effort to help his country claim the title.
The Spanish midfielder underwent a special program that continued until Barcelona's match against Rayo Vallecano, before beginning normal training sessions this week. This progress has prompted the technical staff to evaluate the most suitable timing for granting him a starting position.
According to the newspaper "Sport", coach Hans Flick remains undecided regarding the Spanish player; he might include Rodri in the starting lineup during Sunday's match against Valencia at Mestalla Stadium, or perhaps prefer delaying this step until a tougher encounter against Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League next Wednesday.
The technical staff is managing Rodri's participation and training loads with great precision, aiming to bring him to peak physical condition throughout a long and demanding season while avoiding early exhaustion.
So far, Rodri has played 27 minutes against Athletic Bilbao, followed by another 26 minutes versus Rayo Vallecano. During both appearances, he successfully provided Barcelona with greater composure and control over the game's tempo, especially during moments when the team's performance tended toward excessive speed.
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Meanwhile, Marc Bernal delivered impressive performances during Rodri's absence. Not only did he adequately compensate for Rodri's unavailability, but he also displayed such strength that Barcelona feels no urgency to fully integrate their new star immediately.
Bernal's performances offer Flick the opportunity to rotate between the two players. However, expectations indicate that Rodri will become the primary choice in major matches once he reaches full physical readiness.
A Crowded Schedule Worries Flick
Rodri is expected to play an important role against Valencia, whether he starts the match or comes on again in the second half. Meanwhile, his chances of starting Wednesday's Champions League clash against Feyenoord on September 9 at Spotify Camp Nou appear significantly higher.
Barcelona faces a congested schedule before the upcoming international break: they meet Feyenoord on Wednesday, then face Levante on Sunday, September 13 at Ciudad de Valencia stadium, host Racing on Wednesday, September 16, and conclude this phase of La Liga with a match against Sevilla on Saturday, September 19 at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium.
This demanding calendar forces the technical staff to handle players' physical loads cautiously, particularly Rodri's, as Barcelona strives to prepare him optimally.
The World Cup Captain Prepares to Return with Spain
Pressure on Rodri isn't limited to Barcelona; he is also expected to join the Spanish national team during the forthcoming international break, having become captain of "La Roja" after leading them to World Cup glory.
Rodri will be present with Spain during a window featuring four UEFA Nations League matches, including a fixture against England at Wembley on September 27—marking the Spanish national team's first appearance since adding a second star to their jersey.
Additionally, the Spanish national team will face the Czech Republic and Croatia, meeting the latter twice during the two-week international break.
Despite Rodri's importance to the national team, Luis de la Fuente consistently avoids risking his players' physical condition, granting him flexibility in managing the Barcelona star's playing minutes.
The Spanish coach has a reliable alternative in Martín Zubimendi, who recently lost his starting position at Arsenal. Nevertheless, this hasn't diminished De la Fuente's confidence in him, as clearly demonstrated during the World Cup final when Zubimendi replaced an exhausted Rodri in extra time and delivered an impactful performance.
Both Barcelona and the Spanish national team possess options capable of providing Rodri with rest periods: Bernal represents one solution available to Flick, while Zubimendi can cover for him with the national team, alongside the possibility of utilizing other players such as Gavi ahead of the defense.
Rodri remains one of the key leaders relied upon by Barcelona. Within a short period, he has earned his teammates' admiration thanks to his commitment both on and off the pitch. Young players view him as a role model, while experienced squad members regard him as one of the team's most important references in the locker room.
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