Two Barcelona midfield stars train voluntarily at club facilities on off day | OneFootball

Following their elimination from the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, FC Barcelona did a light recovery session on Wednesday.

After that, manager Hansi Flick and the coaching staff decided to give the players two days off until Saturday, given that they do not play a game until next Wednesday, when they face Celta Vigo.

Gavi, Frenkie de Jong train voluntarily

Despite having the day off, two Barcelona midfielders, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, showed up at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper to train today, reports SPORT.

Gavi started at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and was replaced, precisely, by the Dutchman in the 81st minute, when the team was desperately searching for the goal that would force extra time.

The Spanish international has once again shown the same competitiveness as always after fully recovering from his knee problem.

Training on off day. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The knee injury suffered by the La Masia was particularly serious and, after playing only the first two matches in August, he was unable to return until 15 March against Sevilla.

Hansi Flick has gradually reintroduced him, and both against Espanyol and in the match against Atletico he started and performed well. His return is vital to inject the intensity and character that the team had been missing.

As for De Jong, he returned in the derby against Espanyol after a thigh injury that had kept him out since the end of February.

Now, he faces the decisive stretch of the season with the World Cup on the horizon and with the aim of regaining form to once again become that key piece in Hansi Flick’s midfield alongside Pedri.

Their training on a day off is a statement of intent from two players who have overcome difficult setbacks this year. With the season entering the final stretch, both want to be at their best level and feel important in the team.