Hansi Flick calls up 18-year-old Barcelona starlet to first-team training today | OneFootball

Following their 6-0 triumph over Valencia last night, FC Barcelona players returned to the Ciutat Esportiva this morning for the recovery training session.

Up next for the Blaugrana is a trip to England, where they take on Newcastle United in their first ‘league phase’ match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League on Thursday.

The good news from today’s recovery session was that Frenkie de Jong trained with the group and is in line for a return to the squad against Newcastle United.

A new face in training

Meanwhile, there was a new face in the session today as Hansi Flick decided to call up teenage prospect Xavi Espart to work with the senior team, reports journalist Sergi Capdevila.

Just 18 years old, Espart was part of the treble-winning Juvenil A side under Juliano Belletti last season and is now a member of the Barça Atletic roster under the Brazilian coach.

A versatile operator, Espart started out as a defensive midfielder but has been used largely as a right-back over the past couple of seasons, and he has excelled in the role.

Barcelona rate the youngster very highly and believe that he has the potential to make it big at the club. As such, the Catalans renewed his contract until 2028 only last month.

Flick has called Espart up to train with the senior setup in the past, and did so again today, with the youngster working alongside the substitutes from last night’s game against Valencia.

With Hector Fort being sent out on loan to Elche, the German tactician could turn to Espart as an option at right-back if needed over the course of the season.