Hansi Flick had given his Barcelona squad a rest day on Thursday after a demanding schedule, but several players chose to report to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper to prepare for Sunday’s meeting with Real Madrid.
The decision came after Barcelona’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday and the long journey home. The squad had completed a recovery session on Wednesday, with Flick allowing the players time to recover physically and mentally before the Clásico at Spotify Camp Nou.
According to SPORT, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Fermín López, Gerard Martín, Xavi Espart and Wojciech Szczęsny were among those who attended voluntarily. Their work was focused more on recovery and physical maintenance than an intensive session on the pitch.
The priority is to arrive at one of the biggest matches of the season in the best possible condition. Barcelona have been navigating a crowded calendar involving club and international football, making the management of fatigue an important part of their preparations.
Several injured players also attended the training complex to continue their individual recovery programmes. Roony Bardghji, Andreas Christensen, Jules Koundé, Eric García and Dani Olmo were among those working towards a return.
Their situations differ, however, and not all are expected to be available against Real Madrid. Barcelona confirmed that Eric García has a thigh injury with an estimated recovery period of three to four weeks, while Olmo is also expected to miss several weeks after sustaining an adductor injury against Paris Saint-Germain.
Koundé remains the most plausible candidate to return for the Clásico, although his availability is uncertain after an ankle sprain. His recovery and response to treatment will determine whether he can feature.
The presence of players on their day off reflects the importance attached to Sunday’s match, but the voluntary session should not be mistaken for a full team training session. Flick’s squad were scheduled to resume collective work on Friday.
Barcelona head into the fixture with important selection decisions still to make, particularly in defence and midfield. The medical situation will shape the final preparations, while the players who attended voluntarily will hope their additional recovery work helps them reach peak condition for the meeting with their biggest rivals.