Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has received a significant boost ahead of Saturday’s LaLiga match against Atlético Madrid, with nearly all of his international players returning to training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Wednesday. The match, scheduled for 21:00 local time (19:00 UTC) at the Cívitas Metropolitano, marks the first of three encounters between the two sides in quick succession, including a Champions League double-header to determine a semifinalist.
The returning players include Spanish stars Pau Cubarsí, Pedri, Fermín López, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Joan Garcia, Marc Bernal, and Xavi Espart. Joining them are Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, English winger Marcus Rashford, Portuguese full-back João Cancelo, Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo, and Swedish forward Roony Bardghji. Their availability provides Flick with a deeper pool of talent as Barcelona aims to maintain its position at the top of the LaLiga table.
Further positive news for Blaugrana supporters is the continued progress of Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde, both of whom participated in the training session this week. Their return to team training suggests they are nearing full fitness and could be available for selection against Atlético. Youngsters Álvaro Cortés, Tommy Marqués, and goalkeeper Diego Kochen from the club’s youth system also took part in Wednesday’s session.
De Jong Remains Sidelined
Despite the influx of returning players, Barcelona will still be without several key figures for the trip to the Metropolitano. Raphinha, currently in Brazil, is continuing his rehabilitation from a right thigh injury sustained during international duty and will return to Barcelona in the coming days to continue his recovery. Flick will also be without midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is still working to regain fitness from a right biceps femoris injury.
Andreas Christensen also remains unavailable, continuing his recovery from a partial anterior cruciate ligament tear. These three absences represent a significant challenge for Flick, but the return of so many other internationals provides a degree of mitigation. The midfield, in particular, will feel De Jong’s absence, as he provides a crucial link between defense and attack.
Barcelona’s recent form has been encouraging, particularly their 3-1 victory over Atlético Madrid earlier this month. Flick highlighted that match as a turning point for his team, noting their improved performance across all areas of the pitch. He emphasized the importance of building on that momentum as they navigate this challenging run of fixtures against Diego Simeone’s side.
The upcoming matches against Atlético are crucial not only for LaLiga title aspirations but also for Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions. The two-legged tie in Europe will pit two of the continent’s top teams against each other, with a place in the semifinals at stake. Successfully navigating this period will require a collective effort from the entire squad, as well as tactical flexibility from Flick.
For fans following the action, the LaLiga match against Atlético Madrid kicks off at 21:00 local time (19:00 UTC) on Saturday at the Cívitas Metropolitano. Updates will be available on the club’s official website and social media channels. The Champions League dates will be announced shortly by UEFA.
Barcelona’s ability to manage the workload of its returning internationals and cope with the continued absences of key players will be a key factor in determining their success in the weeks ahead. Flick will need to carefully balance the need for freshness with the desire to maintain momentum as the season reaches its critical stages.
