'He needs more time' - Hansi Flick explains why Barcelona will delay handing debut to new signing Wojciech Szczesny

Barcelona recently roped in former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Szczesny on a free transfer as the Pole came out of retirement to join the Catalan giants as a temporary replacement for captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has been sidelined with a long-term injury.

While the former Poland international's arrival was confirmed earlier this week and was registered with the team, he failed to make be named in Barca's squad for their upcoming La Liga fixture against Alaves. Flick named a 21-member roster which included goalkeepers Ander Astralaga and Aron Yaakobishvili alongside current starting goalkeeper Inaki Pena.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Flick said, "[Szczesny] is in very good shape, but unfortunately he won’t travel to Vitoria because I think he needs more time to be with us and after the break, he’ll be ready and an option.

"For his experience, for his character and for his quality, having Szczesny is very good for the club. When I spoke to him I thought he was a very friendly person, he said that he would contribute in any way he could to the team and I was impressed. He will contribute a lot of things."

The Catalan side will aim to head into the international break with a win over Alaves and regain their three-point lead over arch-rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table.