Frenkie de Jong was back at the Ciutat Esportiva on Monday morning for medical tests after returning to Barcelona early from international duty with the Netherlands.
According to Mundo Deportivo, De Jong did not train and underwent specific training instead on a gluteal issue that forced him out of the Dutch squad.
The report adds that Barcelona don’t want to rush De Jong back - as they have some big fixtures on the horizon - and it’s expected that he will sit out Sunday’s match against Valencia.
De Jong’s absence is likely to spell good news for Marc Casado. The Barcelona youngster was linked with an exit over the summer but now appears to have a great chance to try and impress Hansi Flick.
Sunday’s match is Barcelona’s first home La Liga game of the season, although with less than a week to go until the match it’s still not been confirmed where it will take place.
Barcelona had hoped to play the game at the Camp Nou, but it seems more likely it will take place at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.