{
  "id": 2562464,
  "title": "New arrival Rodri to miss Elche opener: Barca's Flick",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/new-arrival-rodri-to-miss-elche-opener-barcas-flick",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-22T11:11:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/arrival-rodri-miss-elche-opener-111110244.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New signing Rodri, the Spanish World Cup winner, will miss Barcelona's opening La Liga match against Elche on Sunday, according to coach Hansi Flick. The former Manchester City midfielder may, however, be able to participate in their second match against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. Flick praised Rodri as a fantastic player and a leader, emphasizing that he is very concentrated and focused. The club signed Rodri for a fee that could reach 76.5 million euros ($89 million) to strengthen their midfield. Despite the departure of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, Barca is still searching for a striker in the transfer market. Additionally, Flick commended the pre-season form of Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim, who scored four goals in friendlies, highlighting his potential as a future number nine. Wingers Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, along with Raphinha and Dani Olmo, can also play through the middle as false nines. Full-back Joao Cancelo, who joined the team this week, is ready to play against Elche, showcasing his unbelievable technique and passion.",
  "summary": "Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said new signing Rodri would not be involved in the Spanish champions' La Liga opener against Elche on Sunday.Barca signed the Spanish World Cup winner for a fee which could rise to 76.5 million euros ($89 million) to bolster their midfield.",
  "key_points": [
    "Rodri, Spanish World Cup winner, will miss Barcelona's opener against Elche.",
    "Coach Hansi Flick praises Rodri as a fantastic player and leader.",
    "Rodri may play in second match against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}