Barcelona defender withdraws early from training ahead of Club Brugge encounter | OneFootball

FC Barcelona held their final training session this morning at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, ahead of their trip to Belgium to face Club Brugge in Matchday 4 of the Champions League.

Unlike in previous matches, Hansi Flick opted to change the routine: the session took place in Barcelona during the morning, rather than at the opponent’s stadium in the afternoon.

Andreas Christensen walks off

In a concerning development, Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen left the training session prematurely after working with the rest of the group for a few minutes, reports SPORT.

The 29-year-old defender joined his teammates on the field but left the session fifteen minutes later, as he felt some new discomfort.

The club did not issue any medical statement, but the defender has already missed the last three matches, one due to gastrointestinal discomfort and two because of muscle soreness in his calf.

Another injury to Christensen? (Photo courtesy: X/FC Barcelona)

Christensen had resumed training with the group this week after the game against Elche. But with him withdrawing from training early today, it is expected that he will not be included in the squad travelling to Bruges.

Training updates

As is customary before Champions League matches, Flick began the day with a video session analysing the opponent, after which the players took to the pitch around 11:30 a.m.

Before training began in full, the German coach held private discussions with Wojciech Szczesny, Robert Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford.

The group of injured players who were absent on Monday remained in the treatment room: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, and Raphinha.

Of these, Garcia is the closest to receiving medical clearance, having been seen training individually on the pitch at the training complex. However, his return to competition is expected only after the international break.

Academy players Xavi Espart, Dro, and Toni Fernandez also took part in the training session.