Official: Barcelona’s squad for 2022/23 UEFA Champions League group stages

Barcelona have confirmed their squad for the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League season, ahead of their season opener this midweek.

The 23-man squad notably features two deadline day signings in Hector Bellerin and Marcos Alonso. The two had joined the club late in the transfer window, as part of Xavi’s plans to shore up his options in the fullback department.

Barcelona have had no problems registering either of them, largely thanks to the late window departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Samuel Umtiti and Martin Braithwaite.

Along with Alonso and Bellerin, Barça have also included the other new signings such as Jules Kounde, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen.

They are all expected to play a key role in helping Barcelona avoid the embarrassment they faced last season when the Catalans were knocked out of the group stages.

Other interesting inclusions in the squad are Memphis Depay and Pablo Torre. Depay, for one, was highly tipped to depart Camp Nou at the end of the month, but the Dutchman ended up remaining at the club and could be a potential alternative for Lewandowski this season.

Torre’s inclusion in the squad is even more interesting given the fact that the young midfielder has not been registered as part of the first team in La Liga. He is officially a part of the Barça Atletic squad, though it is largely because of the club’s financial constraints.

Torre’s registration is done on the List A of the squad for the Champions League, as he has only arrived at the club this summer and is ineligible to be placed on List B.

The inclusion of Torre could serve as an excellent opportunity for the youngster to make a mark in the first team and prove his worth in the toughest competition club football has to offer.

Meanwhile, academy graduates Alejandro Balde and Gavi will be part of List B, given that they were born after 1 January 2001 and have been at the club for more than three years.

With the squad list announced, Barcelona are set to kickstart their 2022/23 Champions League campaign this midweek, when they take on Viktoria Plzen at Camp Nou.