FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has finally been able to prepare for Saturday’s match against Athletic Club at the revamped Spotify Camp Nou under ideal conditions.
The German coach led the first session on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper with all the players who had been called up by their national teams during the international break. Well, almost all of them.
Marcus Rashford misses training
The most notable absence in this penultimate training session before Barcelona face Athletic Club this weekend was Marcus Rashford, according to SPORT.
The forward was not seen arriving at the club’s facilities in the morning and did not take part in the session. For now, the reason for his absence from today’s training session is unknown, although club sources insist that it is not serious.
The Englishman was called up by Thomas Tuchel for the two matches played by the Three Lions during the international break.
Marcus Rashford, Barcelona player
No Rashford in training today. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Rashford started in the 2-0 win against Serbia and played the final quarter of an hour against Albania, providing the assist for Harry Kane’s goal that sealed the 0-2.
The 28-year-old has been in fine form for Barcelona this season, racking up six goals and nine assists from 16 games, including two assists in the team’s last match vs Celta Vigo before the international break.
As such, Flick & co. will hope to have Rashford fit and available for their return to the redeveloped Spotify Camp Nou come Saturday.
Other training updates
Meanwhile, Pedri continued working separately from the group, while Lamine Yamal is gradually training again with his teammates. Raphinha and Marc Casado are both pushing hard and feeling positive ahead of Saturday’s match.
Ronald Araujo was also present despite arriving from Uruguay national team duty earlier this morning.
Flick also called up several academy players like Diego Kochen, Dro, Jofre Torrents, Toni Fernandez, Dani Rodriguez, Tommy Marques and Guillem Victor.