Overview
- Barcelona returned to work at the Ciutat Esportiva after the international break, with Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde joining only parts of the group session as they recover.
- The limited involvement signaled a step in both defenders’ rehabs rather than a full return to match action.
- Several regulars were still away on national-team duty, and head coach Hansi Flick called up reserve players Tommy, Cortés and Emilio to round out the drills.
- The team set further sessions to prepare for Atlético de Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, which opens a run of three meetings between the clubs over ten days.
- The crowded stretch overlaps with Champions League quarterfinal duties, so even partial reintegrations could ease rotation and help maintain intensity.