FC Barcelona are going to start 2026 in memorable fashion, as their very first game of the new year is going to be a derby against RCD Espanyol. The Blaugrana team has been training for this game for quite some time now and held their final session ahead of this match today.
Another training session was held on Thursday, the first day of the new year, [but in this session, the winger Lamine Yamal was unable to participate, as he was feeling unwell](https://semprebarca.com/barcelona-train-for-espanyol-clash-without-lamine-yamal/).
However, [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20260102/1002594639/lamine-yamal-ok-ultimo-entrenamiento-derbi.html) reports that the young winger is now back working in today’s training session, and trained normally with the rest of his teammates.
With Yamal’s return, Hansi Flick has all of his players available for the upcoming derby, barring the two long-term absences, Andreas Christensen and Gavi.
Ronald Araujo and Dani Olmo also participated in this training session, even though it is not yet clear whether they will be playing in this upcoming game.
Similarly, Pedri and Jules Kounde are also back to availability, and hopefully will be able to help Barcelona start the new year with a win against their city rivals.