Barcelona Face Real Sociedad with Key Absences, Yamal Back

Barcelona host Real Sociedad at Montjuïc in a key LaLiga clash (kick-off 18:30 CEST) and can move top of the table with a win. The Blaugrana remain unbeaten in competitive matches since May but will be missing several regulars — notably Gavi (out up to five months), Marc-André ter Stegen, Alejandro Balde and Raphinha. Lamine Yamal is available again, and Hansi Flick is expected to rely on Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and youth midfielder Guille Fernández to cover absences. Real Sociedad have recovered from a difficult start and climbed out of the relegation zone but still carry defensive injury concerns and will approach the match cautiously. The game is viewed as a pivotal LaLiga showdown as Barcelona seek to capitalise on any slip-ups from Real Madrid.