18-year-old La Masia right-back trains with Barcelona first-team ahead of Girona clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona continued preparations for Saturday’s La Liga encounter against Girona at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, with Hansi Flick relying on several academy talents to compensate for the team’s mounting injury list.

With Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Joan Garcia, and long-term absentees Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen still sidelined, the German coach once again turned to Barça’s youth ranks for reinforcements.

According to Mundo Deportivo, among the standout names was 18-year-old right-back Xavi Espart, who trained with the group yesterday and is in contention to be included in the matchday squad.

Primarily comfortable as a right-back, he can also operate as a defensive midfielder if needed. Such versatility is normally quite appreciated at Barça, and he just so happens to be a talent worth keeping an eye on.

In addition, goalkeepers Diego Kochen and Eder Aller, and left-back Jofre Torrents were also involved in yesterday’s training session and are expected to be part of the extended squad at Montjuic.

The team will hold one final training session today at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper (11:00 a.m.) before Flick’s pre-match press conference scheduled for 1:00 p.m., where he is expected to provide updates on the squad’s fitness and readiness for the Catalan derby.

FC Barcelona will look to overcome their injury issues and bounce back in La Liga following a disappointing defeat to Sevilla, as they gear up for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the weekend.