Following their 3-1 win over Elche on Sunday, FC Barcelona started preparations for the upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Club Brugge.
The session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper saw Barça welcome Andreas Christensen back to group training today after the defender missed the last three matches.
Meanwhile, Hansi Flick once again called up teenage defender Xavi Espart from Barça Atletic to train with the senior setup.
Xavi Espart impressing Flick
Now, according to SPORT, Flick is said to have grown very fond of Xavi Espart, who has made a big impression on the Barcelona head coach.
The 18-year-old right-back has become a regular presence in first-team training since last month and has been constantly included in the squad lists by the manager.
Despite being in four matchday squads in recent weeks, Espart has not made his official senior debut for the Blaugrana, but it could be just around the corner.
Diego Kochen, Eder Aller, Jofre Torrents and Xavi Espart of FC Barcelona
Xavi Espart (R) has become a regular in first-team training. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
After all, Flick, his staff, and the club appreciate his potential, work ethic, and commitment, and see him as a promising talent within the club’s ranks with a bright future.
Espart could be included in the squad list again for the Club Brugge match, as in recent weeks. Whether it leads to an official debut for the midfielder turned right-back remains to be seen.
So far this season, Espart has played six games for Barça Atletic in Segunda RFEF, scoring and assisting one goal apiece. Meanwhile, he also has two goals in two games for the Juvenil A side in the UEFA Youth League.
Espart clearly has made a big impression on Flick, as indicated by his continued presence in first-team training sessions. And, if things continue to progress in this manner, a debut could be just around the corner for the 18-year-old.