The French full-back did not train yesterday due to minor discomfort and, if all goes well, he will return to training today to prepare for El Clásico.
Barça is already preparing for Sunday's El Clásico with several updates in the infirmary, especially regarding the injured players, because if all goes well, several players will be available again for Flick. According to SPORT, Jules Koundé did not train with the group yesterday after suffering a knock. The Frenchman, still suffering from slight discomfort, preferred not to take any risks and stayed in the gym while his teammates worked on the pitch. Club sources confirm that it is a minor impact that has not progressed, and that the intention is for him to train normally with the rest of the team in today's session to prepare for Sunday's match at the Bernabéu.
It won't be the only return
Frenkie de Jong is also expected to return today or tomorrow, depending on his condition. The Dutchman is suffering from an illness that prevented him from participating in yesterday's training session, and the feeling is that he will be able to return without any problems for the match, in which Flick will give him a leading role. For precisely the same reason, Andreas Christensen also did not train yesterday. His presence on the trip will depend on his condition in the coming hours and his response in the next training session. If all goes well, he will join the group.
Raphinha, meanwhile, completed yesterday's session at full intensity, his first with the entire group. The expectation is that he will be included in the squad and that the club will announce his medical clearance on Saturday, minutes before the expedition flies to Madrid. The idea, like Frenkie, is for him to get minutes against an opponent he has always performed well in, but given his importance this season and knowing how important he is to Flick, he cannot be ruled out from the start yet, although it seems complicated for now. The final decision will be made in Friday's training session.
So, if all goes as planned, we should see Koundé and Frenkie de Jong back in session this afternoon to focus on Sunday's big Clásico. This way, Barça would recover two guaranteed players to travel to Madrid for one of the most important matches of the season.