Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
FC Barcelona are keen to put their Champions League defeat against PSG behind them and focus on El Clasico this Sunday.
Several Barcelona players, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Fermin Lopez, voluntarily reported to the club’s training facilities on Thursday despite Hansi Flick granting the squad a much-needed day off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi Espart, Gerard Martin and Wojciech Szczesny also visited the Ciutat Esportiva, while several injured players continued their recovery programmes.
Barcelona stars put in extra work before El Clasico
Thursday marked Barcelona’s first proper rest day in two weeks, following a demanding schedule that began when the internationals returned from national team duty on October 8.
Since then, Flick’s side have faced Getafe, Galatasaray, Real Betis and Paris Saint-Germain, with frequent travel and limited recovery time between matches.
Despite the opportunity to rest, Yamal, Pedri, Fermin, Espart, Martin and Szczesny chose to visit the training ground voluntarily.
Meanwhile, Jules Kounde, Dani Olmo, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji continued their respective rehabilitation programmes.
Kounde is still hoping to recover sufficiently from his left ankle sprain to make the squad against Madrid, although a starting appearance appears unlikely.
The other four injured players are expected to miss the encounter.
Barcelona will resume collective training on Friday morning as preparations intensify for Sunday’s showdown at the Spotify Camp Nou.
A positive sign of Barcelona’s mentality
The willingness of several important players to put in additional work speaks positively about the commitment within Flick’s dressing room.
Yamal, Pedri and Fermin have important roles in Barcelona’s attacking plans, while Espart and Martin are also preparing for potentially significant defensive responsibilities against Madrid.
However, managing fatigue will be just as important as maintaining sharpness. Barcelona’s recent schedule has been relentless.
Voluntary training should therefore be viewed as preparation rather than a reason to increase workloads unnecessarily.
For Flick, the encouraging aspect is that his players are taking responsibility ahead of one of the season’s biggest matches.
Barca need to deliver a statement performance against Jose Mourinho’s side, and it remains to be seen how the players fare on Sunday.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 10: Anthony Gordon of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at Spotify Camp Nou on October 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.