Barcelona receive massive boost as two key players return ahead of Espanyol clash | OneFootball

With the squad’s holiday break now over, FC Barcelona are back in action and preparing for their next challenge, a local derby against an in-form Espanyol side at Cornellà this Saturday.

The Catalan giants have received a significant boost ahead of their local derby as two key players returned to full training. The open session at the Johan Cruyff Stadium marked the end of the first team’s holiday break and was attended by over 5,500 fans.

As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, both Pedri and Jules Kounde participated fully in the session, signaling that they are likely to be available for the upcoming clash against Espanyol.

Pedri had missed the last game of the year against Villarreal due to minor muscular discomfort, while Kounde had requested to be substituted during the same match after feeling some discomfort.

The French full-back recently spent time in Africa visiting Benin, where he has family roots, and watched the Africa Cup of Nations match between Ivory Coast and Cameroon in Marrakech.

Dani Olmo also joined training but completed only part of the session with the group before working separately with two fitness coaches as he continues to recover from a dislocated left shoulder sustained against Atlético de Madrid on December 2.

His goal has always been to be fit for the derby, and while his participation remains uncertain, he cannot be ruled out entirely.

Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo returned to training as well and could be available for the clash against Espanyol, adding another boost to Barcelona’s defensive options.

Overall, the session offered positive signs for the Blaugranes as Pedri and Kounde appear ready, Araujo is back, and Olmo is steadily progressing in his recovery. Hansi Flick will hope to field a strengthened squad as Barcelona aims to secure a victory in the local derby.