Barcelona captain continues gym recovery while Spanish defender returns to the grass | OneFootball

FC Barcelona completed their second training session at St. George’s Park on Tuesday morning, with Frenkie de Jong and Alejandro Balde following separate recovery programmes away from the main group.

According to AS, De Jong remained in the gym as he continues conservative treatment for his serious knee injury, while Balde was able to complete some running work on the pitch alongside a fitness coach.

The squad began the day with gym work before moving to the Bobby Charlton pitch for the morning session. New physical coach Benjamin Kugel again led the opening exercises, with fitness forming a major part of Barcelona’s early preseason programme.

Balde’s return to the grass is an encouraging step, even though the left-back is not yet ready to train normally with his teammates. His back problem is not considered especially serious, but Barca are clearly avoiding unnecessary risks at this stage of the summer.

De Jong faces a much longer route back. The Dutch midfielder travelled to England with the squad but remains focused entirely on rehabilitation after suffering a major knee injury.

There was more positive news concerning Fermin Lopez, Ronald Araujo and Marc Bernal, who all worked normally with the group. Their availability gives Flick more options as he begins introducing tactical exercises.

Defensive transitions become an early priority

After the physical work, Barcelona focused on attacking transitions and defensive recovery. That emphasis is significant because Flick’s football depends heavily on how quickly the team reacts when possession changes.

Barca were often devastating after winning the ball last season, but their high line can become vulnerable when the press is broken. Improving the speed and organisation of the defensive retreat will therefore be one of the key themes of preseason.

The squad will train again in the afternoon, beginning the first of several double-session days planned during the England camp.

For Flick, the priority is to build intensity without overloading players returning from injury. Balde taking his first steps on the grass is welcome, while De Jong’s absence remains a reminder that Barcelona must prepare the midfield carefully for the opening months of the campaign.