Back from Asia and back to work
After wrapping up their Asian tour, FC Barcelona were back in action on Thursday with a double training session. Hansi Flick’s men landed back from South Korea on Tuesday and, following a couple of well-earned days off, regrouped at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper this morning and afternoon.
The first session kicked off bright and early at 9.30am, with the squad put through their paces in a session that lasted just over an hour. The morning’s focus: runs and rondos. Flick had his full first-team squad available from the Asia tour, with just one exception, Ferran Torres. The Valencian forward trained separately due to a minor muscle overload, a precautionary measure from the medical team.
Four from Barça Atlètic
From the reserve side, four of the young talents who made the tour were also on the pitch: Jofre Torrents, Dro Fernández, Guille Fernández and Toni Fernández.The only absentee from the Barça Atlètic contingent was American goalkeeper Diego Kochen.
Ferran Torres back
At 6pm, the team were back for a second workout on the Tito Vilanova field. This time Ferran Torres was there as usual, for a session that was about exercises with the ball and tactics, as well as a gym session. Iñigo Martínez, however, was given permission from the club to be absent. There will be further gatherings on Friday and Saturday with full focus now on Sunday’s Festa del Gamper Estrella Damm.
That's against Como 1907, led by Cesc Fàbregas and featuring Sergi Roberto, at the Estadi Johan Cruyff in their final tune-up before the start of the La Liga campaign. Kick-off is set for 9pm CEST.