FC Barcelona midfielder Gavi did not participate in the group training session on Wednesday, casting serious doubt on his availability for the league home opener. According to Mundo Deportivo, the player worked separately after suffering a contusion in the match against Elche, which practically rules him out against Athletic Club.
The team completed their preparation at Camp Tito Vilanova for Thursday's 21:00h match, which will be broadcast on DAZN. With Barcelona fifth in La Liga with 3 points after one win, the objective is to add another home victory. The blaugrana arrive in positive form, having scored 5 goals and conceded none in their sole match of the season.
What happened to Gavi in training?
Gavi was the main absentee in Wednesday's training session. The footballer, who took a knock in the first matchday game against Elche, carried out individual work away from the group. The technical staff, who will monitor his evolution in the coming hours, consider it very unlikely he will be available for Thursday's clash. This absence is a setback for a team looking to maintain its scoring streak, led by Fermín with 2 goals.
Gavi's absence from collective exercises is a clear signal his recovery needs more time. His participation will be decided based on how he responds in the hours before the match, but all indications point to him being unavailable. Fans can follow the squad's status on our injuries page.
Who did participate in the group dynamics?
In contrast to Gavi's situation, Rodri was one of the protagonists of the session. The player completed training normally with the rest of his teammates, having previously integrated into the group's dynamics in prior sessions. This opens the door for Rodri to make his official debut as a Barcelona player this Thursday against Athletic Club.
Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong continued with his individual recovery process, maintaining his separate work routine. His return to the pitch remains uncertain in the short term. The squad aims to consolidate its position in the standings, where they are 3 points behind leaders Sevilla.
Which academy players took part in training?
Five players from the youth categories joined the first-team session at Camp Tito Vilanova. Hamza Abdelkarim, Álvaro Cortés, Xavi Espart, Brian Fariñas, and Eder Aller, from Barça Atlètic and the Juvenil team, worked with the main dynamic. These players regularly complete sessions with Hansi Flick's team, taking the opportunity to gain experience and rhythm.
Their presence is common in this type of preparation, especially when the schedule is intense and potential absences need covering. The club trusts in continuing to integrate academy talent, a fundamental pillar of its philosophy. The next test for the team will be against an Athletic Club currently occupying 20th position in the table.
How does this affect the match against Athletic?
The probable absence of Gavi forces the manager to reconfigure his midfield for the home debut. With Rodri ready to debut and Fermín in scoring form, the team has alternatives. Barcelona, who face a rival yet to earn points, cannot afford slip-ups if they want to close the gap with Sevilla.
The match represents an opportunity to extend the goal difference and cement the strong start to the season. All information on the starting eleven and lineups will be available in our stats section. The objective is clear: secure a victory that keeps the team in the fight for the top spots from the beginning of the championship.
