Koundé, small setback and back to work

Jules Koundé did not participate in yesterday´s training due to a small knock. The French defender, who feels a slight discomfort, chose not to push it and stayed in the gym while the rest of the group trained on the pitch. The club has explained that it is merely an impact of no major importance and that, if everything goes normally, Koundé will return to work with the group today to focus on the preparation for the match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.

More players close to returning

The Barça also hopes to have Frenkie de Jong back between today and tomorrow, depending on how he progresses. The Dutchman suffered an indisposition that prevented him from training in the last session, but the expectation is that he will be available without issues for Sunday’s clash, in which Hansi Flick plans to give him an important role. For the same reason, Andreas Christensen also could not train with his teammates. His presence on the trip to Madrid will depend on how he feels in the coming hours and how he responds in the next training session. If everything progresses correctly, the Danish center-back will also rejoin the group.

Raphinha aims to return

Another of the standout names of the day was Raphinha, who completed his first full training session with the entire squad. The forecasts indicate that he will be included in the squad and that the club will announce his medical clearance on Saturday, shortly before the Blaugrana expedition departs for Madrid. Flick´s plan is for the Brazilian winger to get minutes against Real Madrid, a rival he usually performs well against. However, his inclusion in the starting eleven is not yet guaranteed, as the coaching staff will assess his final physical condition in Friday´s training.

The Barça, with reinforcements for the big challenge

If no unforeseen events arise, both Koundé and Frenkie de Jong should train today with the group, strengthening the team just before the most anticipated match of the season. With these reinforcements, FC Barcelona would recover key pieces to face the Classico at the Bernabéu with guarantees, a decisive match in the title race.