Israeli Midfielder Ori Goren Considered for Barcelona's Final Preseason Squad

Barcelona is preparing for its second preseason match on Friday against Birmingham City, with coach Xavi Flick facing significant midfield absences due to the World Cup. Israeli midfielder Ori Goren, who impressed in the previous 4-1 win over Europa, is among the young players expected to get playing time. Birmingham, recently promoted back to the English Championship and one of the wealthiest clubs outside the Premier League, finished tenth last season.

Spanish sports outlet AS highlighted this match as an opportunity for young talents like Goren, Awerima Tonkara, and Hamza Abdelkarim to integrate into Barcelona's senior squad. Former player Farmin Lopes praised Goren and Tonkara as the most impressive so far, while veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny expressed satisfaction with the gradual inclusion of youth players.

Goren is likely to come off the bench as a midfielder. Alejandro Balde has completed full training and is expected to play, and new signing Karim Adeyemi may also feature. Meanwhile, Rafinha has returned to training but is not traveling with the team to England and is training separately.