Barcelona handed double injury boost ahead of crucial Atletico Madrid game

FC Barcelona returned to coaching on Monday on the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper after a four-day break, shifting focus in the direction of Saturday’s essential La Liga conflict in opposition to Atlético Madrid on the Metropolitano.

With a number of first-team gamers nonetheless away on worldwide responsibility, the session was headlined by a double harm increase for Barcelona. In line with Sports activities Worldeach Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde returned to the pitch and took half in a part of the group coaching after making constructive progress of their restoration from muscle accidents.

Their presence comes as a well timed raise for Hansi Flick, with each defenders now pushing to be out there for choice in opposition to Atletico.

In distinction, Frenkie de Jong stays a doubt for the weekend fixture. The midfielder educated individually within the health club as he continues his restoration from a distal biceps harm in his proper legmaking his participation in opposition to the Rojiblancos unsure at this stage.

As a result of worldwide break, solely a restricted variety of senior gamers have been concerned within the session, together with Wojciech Szczesny, Gerard Martin, Marc Casado, Eric Garcia, and Gavi. To finish the group, Flick additionally known as up a number of reserve staff gamers reminiscent of Alvaro Cortes, Tommy Marquez, and goalkeeper Emilio Bernad.

Barcelona will proceed their preparations with one other coaching session scheduled for Tuesday morning, nonetheless with out a lot of their worldwide stars.

Because the decisive section of the season approaches, Barça will likely be hoping the return of key gamers like Kounde and Balde can present a well timed increase forward of a demanding run of fixtures.