The joy of returning to club football is clear, however, this return has left many Barcelona fans anxious given the growing list of injuries and the crucial fixtures ahead in the coming weeks.
Barcelona travel to Real Madrid next weekend without key attackers Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Gavi, while there are also concerns over Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Fermin Lopez, who remain doubtful as they work their way back to full fitness.
On the positive side, Barcelona currently sit second in the league, just two points behind the leaders, and qualification for the Champions League knockout stages looks within reach. While the performances haven’t quite matched last season’s standards, the goals in both La Liga and Europe are still very much attainable.
Now is the time for the players to shift up a gear and reach their expected level. While stars like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong are naturally expected to deliver, several others still have a point to prove and an opportunity to cement their place in the starting XI going forward.
Here are four players with the most to prove after the October break.
Dani Olmo
Probably the one player who has disappointed most this season, he’s left many scratching their heads over his significant dip in form. The Spanish international has managed just one goal and two assists so far, while his closest competitor, Fermin Lopez, has already scored twice in just five appearances.
As one of the more senior players, he’ll need to make the central attacking midfield role his own once he returns from injury and start producing again, especially if Ferran Torres’ goals begin to dry up.
Marcus Rashford
The loan signing arguably has more to prove in a Barcelona shirt than most, particularly as Rashford will be eager to secure a permanent move and justify the transfer fee agreed upon in the loan deal with Manchester United.
His performances have shown steady improvement, with his best display so far coming against Newcastle, and he is now beginning to make a greater impact against La Liga opponents. To truly make his case, however, he will need to boost his goal tally, especially with Raphinha set to return from injury after the next international break, adding further competition for his place in the team.
Ronald Araujo
Used sparingly this season as Hansi Flick continues to rotate his centre-backs, Barcelona’s captain has found himself on the sidelines more often than not. His lack of pace and intensity in the press has made him less suited to Flick’s high-line system.
However, the upcoming fixtures, particularly against Real Madrid and in the Champions League, will demand experience and a more conservative defensive setup, which could work in his favour. With a point to prove and the prospect of a regular starting role, the Uruguayan will be more determined than ever to reclaim his place.
Marc Bernal
There were high hopes for the youngster before his ACL injury, and now that his minutes are gradually increasing, it seems only a matter of time, likely before the next international break, before we see Marc Bernal start a match. He has already shown flashes of his talent, particularly with his assist against Valencia, and will now be eager to make that level of performance a consistent feature of his game.
Considered to possess greater quality than Marc Casado, Bernal could be the ideal player to step in and display his passing range when Pedri is given a rest. This season represents a crucial opportunity for the young midfielder to prove that he is back to full strength and has fully moved past his ACL setback.