Barcelona prepares for Basel match with returning World Cup winners

Barcelona is set to face FC Basel in a pre-season friendly on August 16, 2026. The team has struggled with two losses and two wins in their prior four friendlies. Key players including Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Dani Olmo, who were pivotal in Spain's recent World Cup victory, have returned to training. New signing Anthony Gordon is expected to make his debut for Barcelona, adding to the attacking options after Ferran Torres' recent departure has left the club without a natural striker. Hansi Flick's strategies may be tested against Basel, especially since he must address the gap in the center-forward position.

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