Barcelona’s pre-season schedule in Kenya disrupted by serious health crisis | OneFootball

Barcelona’s preparations for the new season could face an unexpected setback, with one of their planned pre-season fixtures now under serious doubt.

It must be noted that the Catalan club had been exploring the possibility of playing a high-profile friendly against Liverpool in Kenya this August as part of their summer schedule. 

The proposal came with significant financial benefits and was viewed as an attractive opportunity for both sporting and commercial reasons.

However, recent developments have created uncertainty around the match, leaving Barcelona waiting to see whether the fixture can go ahead as planned.

Barcelona’s Kenya plans under threat

Despite the financial appeal of the fixture, growing health concerns in the region have complicated matters. 

Barcelona were scheduled to play Liverpool. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Reports from Mundo Deportivo indicate that an emerging Ebola outbreak near the African nation has placed the proposed trip under scrutiny.

Under existing health and safety protocols, Barcelona are not permitted to travel to areas where there is a significant health risk. 

As a result, the club is closely monitoring the situation before making any final decisions regarding the fixture.

Should conditions fail to improve in the coming weeks, Barcelona may have no choice but to withdraw from the planned match. 

So what now?

Barcelona are unlikely to play in Kenya. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

In that scenario, the club would need to identify an alternative opponent to ensure the squad receives the required preparation before the competitive season begins.

While pre-season results rarely carry major importance, the quality of opposition can play a significant role in preparing a team for the challenges ahead.

A friendly against Liverpool would have offered Barcelona a valuable test against elite-level competition before the start of the new season. 

For now, Barcelona are currently scheduled to return for pre-season between July 12 and July 13, when players will undergo medical assessments before beginning training.

The initial phase of preparations will take place at Sant Joan Despi before the squad travels to Saint George’s Park in England for a training camp.