Barcelona midfielder confirms availability for Espanyol clash: ‘I’m fine. I’m ready to play’ | OneFootball

After a short mid-season break, FC Barcelona resumed training today, working in a session open to fans, with some players even briefly interacting with the media.

One of the players to speak with club media during the open training session was key midfielder Pedri.

The superstar, who had missed Barcelona’s last game before the break against Villarreal through discomfort, trained normally with the group today.

And in a major boost, Pedri confirmed that he was fine and was ready to get back to action, with Barcelona set to take on local rivals RCD Espanyol in their first game of 2026 on 3 January.

“I’m fine. I’m ready to play,” he confirmed.

“I’m happy to be back. I wanted to return to training,” Pedri added.

Back and ready to play. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Talking about the open training session and getting to see the fans, the Spanish international remarked: “It’s good to see the support of the fans in this open doors training session.”

Looking forward to the Catalan derby against Espanyol, Pedri noted: “We arrive at the derby with good results… Espanyol won’t make it easy, but we’ll go for the win as always.”

Marc Bernal excited to return to training

Meanwhile, Pedri’s fellow midfielder, Marc Bernal, who is expected to have a more prominent role in the second half of the season, also expressed his excitement after resuming training.

“This week was for rest and recharging energy, but we’re now returning with great enthusiasm,” noted Bernal.

Talking about the challenges ahead for the team in the new year, the teenage midfielder acknowledged:

“First, we have a very important match against Espanyol, and after that, the Spanish Super Cup, and we’re really excited for it too.”

Source: Barça One