Barcelona debut on hold for Lionesses star Ellie Roebuck with England goalkeeper among six absentees for Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Milan

After commanding wins over Hoffenheim and Montpellier earlier this month, Barca continue their pre-season preparations on Friday night when they face the Italian side, but they will do so without Roebuck, Fridolina Rolfo, Cata Coll, Salma Paralluelo, Irene Paredes and Bruna Vilamala.

Roebuck is sidelined while she continues her rehabilitation process after suffering a type of stroke during the 2023-24 season. Rolfo, Coll and Paralluelo are ruled out due to 'discomfort', while the club confirmed on Friday that Paredes will be absent for three to four weeks due to a thigh problem. Vilamala, meanwhile, is reportedly close to agreeing a loan move to England, with Esport3 reporting that the young forward is set to join Brighton for the upcoming season.

Roebuck is one of three summer signings that the reigning European champions have made, alongside Poland striker Ewa Pajor and Portugal youngster Kika Nazareth. The club has also bid farewell to a number of players, with Sandra Panos (joining Club America), Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal), Lucy Bronze and Julia Bartel (both Chelsea) all leaving on free transfers.

After Friday's clash with Milan, the Catalans will travel to the United States to continue their pre-season. Barca will face NWSL side Bay FC on August 27 before taking on the Dallas Trinity, of the USL Super League, on August 30. The club will hope that some of those absent for the Joan Gamper Trophy can recover in time to make the journey stateside.