Barcelona’s preparations for their next LaLiga fixture have started with a careful approach, as Fermín López and Marc Bernal stayed away from full pitch training on Saturday and focused instead on recovery work in the gym.
The duo were absent from the main group at the Joan Gamper Training Ground, with the club’s medical team opting for a controlled workload as both players continue to manage recent injuries.
This session marked Barcelona’s return to action after their disappointing exit from the Champions League, where they were knocked out by Atlético Madrid in the quarter finals. Manager Hansi Flick had granted the squad two days off following that defeat, giving players time to reset before shifting focus back to domestic competition.
Fermín’s absence from full training comes after a painful incident in that European clash. The midfielder required stitches following an accidental blow to the face from Atlético goalkeeper Juan Musso. While the injury is not considered serious, the coaching staff are clearly unwilling to take risks at this stage of the season.
Bernal’s situation is more about patience than urgency. The young midfielder is still working his way back from a left ankle sprain suffered earlier this month, and Saturday’s gym session reflects a gradual return plan rather than a setback.
Barcelona’s injury list remains a concern, with Raphinha and Andreas Christensen still unavailable. Their continued absence limits Flick’s options, especially as the team looks to respond quickly after their European disappointment.
Attention now shifts to Wednesday’s LaLiga meeting with Celta Vigo at the Spotify Camp Nou. With the title race still demanding consistency, Barcelona cannot afford another slip.
Flick is expected to push the intensity up in Sunday’s training session, but the priority remains clear. Fitness and availability will be just as important as tactics in the days ahead, and Barcelona are choosing caution over risk as they try to steady their season.
