Barcelona handed double injury boost ahead of crucial Atletico Madrid game | OneFootball

FC Barcelona returned to training on Monday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper after a four-day break, shifting focus towards Saturday’s crucial La Liga clash against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano.

With several first-team players still away on international duty, the session was headlined by a double injury boost for Barcelona. According to Mundo Deportivo, both Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde returned to the pitch and took part in part of the group training after making positive progress in their recovery from muscle injuries.

Their presence comes as a timely lift for Hansi Flick, with both defenders now pushing to be available for selection against Atletico.

In contrast, Frenkie de Jong remains a doubt for the weekend fixture. The midfielder trained individually in the gym as he continues his recovery from a distal biceps injury in his right leg, making his participation against the Rojiblancos uncertain at this stage.

Due to the international break, only a limited number of senior players were involved in the session, including Wojciech Szczesny, Gerard Martin, Marc Casado, Eric Garcia, and Gavi. To complete the group, Flick also called up several reserve team players such as Alvaro Cortes, Tommy Marquez, and goalkeeper Emilio Bernad.

Barcelona will continue their preparations with another training session scheduled for Tuesday morning, still without many of their international stars.

As the decisive phase of the season approaches, Barça will be hoping the return of key players like Kounde and Balde can provide a timely boost ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.