Medicals mean the 2022/23 season has begun

Sarunas Jasikevicius' Barça 2022/23 squad were back at work on Monday. The six first team players expected back (Kyle Kuric, Cory Higgins, Alex Abrines, Sergi Martínez, Oriol Paulí and Oscar Da Silva) all had their medicals at the Ciutat Esportiva, meaning the new season has begun. Training will start on Tuesday.

The medicals also meant the new summer signings, Paulí and Da Silva, could meet their teammates. Both players also had time to give their initial thoughts to Jasikevicius on the first day of preseason.

Tuesday will see basketball and physical sessions in the Palau Blaugrana, the sports hall, and on the grass at the Ciutat Esportiva. 10 development players will join the team for preseason training: Michael Caicedo, James Nnaji, Rafa Villar and Martín Iglesias from Barça Atlètic, along with the juniors, Dayan Nessah, Dani Iruela, Kasparas Jakucionis, Dame Sarr, Pol Saló and Andreas Holst.

Some first team players (Kalinic, Vesely, Satoransky, Tobey, Jokubaitis, Sanli, Laprovittola) are with their national sides playing the Eurobasket and AmeriCup.

Barcas number 33, Nikola Mirotic, continues to recover from an Achilles tendon injury.

Abrines: "I'm really excited about this new season"

Small forward Alex Abrines gave his thoughts on the first day back at work to Barça TV: "I'm really excited about this new season. I can't want to start playing with my teammates, there are six of us now and everyone else will join later. As always, we aim to reach and win every final. We are a leading European team and we are expected to compete for everything".

Abrines is positive about the squad: "There have been a lot of changes, but they are all great players. Some are very experienced and others have a lot of potential. I think we have a good mix. We'll have to wait until we are all together to create good team chemistry, but I think every signing is very good on an individual level”.

Da Silva: "It's been a good first day"

Oscar Da Silva expressed his initial feelings: "It's been a good first day, fun. I have only seen my new teammates during the medicals, those that are here, and I can't wait to meet the others, but the group seems good so far. I also had a quick chat with Saras, who welcomed me and gave me a big hug. He is happy I'm here and I'm happy to be here. We'll keep developing our relationship".

The German power forward is ambitious: "The aim is to win trophies. That's the main aim for both the team and the Club, so I am really up for the challenge".