Barcelona full-back returns after missing thursday session due to illness

After a day without work to recuperate from their latest UEFA Champions League victory in opposition to Eintracht FrankfurtFC Barcelona returned to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Thursday to start preparations for Saturday’s La Liga conflict in opposition to Osasuna at Spotify Camp Nou.

One of many key developments from Thursday’s session was the absence of Gerard Martin because of indisposition. Nonetheless, in response to SPORTMartin has now returned to coaching after lacking the earlier session and is predicted to be included within the squad for Saturday’s La Liga encounter.

The Blaugrana held their closing coaching session in the present day morning on the Ciutat Esportiva forward of their conflict in opposition to Osasuna. Martin is predicted to proceed in his new position as left center-back, a place during which he has delivered spectacular performances in latest matches.

Initially deployed on this place throughout the preseason tour in Asia, Martin has firmly established himself within the beginning lineup alongside Pau Cubarsi following the November worldwide break.

For the reason that recreation in opposition to Athletic Membership, he has began 5 of 6 matches, finishing the complete 90 minutes in 4 of these video games. The one exception got here within the 3-0 defeat in opposition to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the place he was launched within the 79th minute.

Hansi Flick has praised Martin’s efficiency and flexibility, describing him as one of many squad’s most adaptable gamers alongside Eric Garcia, who lately prolonged his contract with Barcelona till 2031.

With Martin again within the squad, Barcelona will purpose to keep up their sturdy defensive type as they host Osasuna this weekend.