Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has been handed a boost as Fermín López, Pablo Torre and Gerard Martín are set to return early from international duty.
All three players were with Spain’s Under-21s on Friday in a 2-2 draw with Czechia but will now be released from the squad.
Manager Santi Denia has agreed to allow all three players to head home in order to prepare for Thursday’s match against Osasuna.
Here’s the official statement:
“David Torres and Raúl Moro , both Real Valladolid players, will join the U-21 national team’s squad this Saturday, which will continue training in Lorca until its trip to Darmstadt on Monday to play against Germany on Tuesday. Fermín López, Pablo Torre, and Gerard Martín will leave the camp.”
Spain Under-21s are due to play again on Tuesday against Germany in a friendly but will have to make do without the Barca trio.
The news is a big boost to Barcelona and comes at a time when Pau Cubarsi is also on his way back to the club after suffering an ankle problem with the senior squad.
Barca are also making plans to have Ronald Araujo and Raphinha back in time for Thursday’s match as they continue their title push.