After four days of rest, the FC Barcelona squad returned to training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, and they did so with good news. The spotlight was on Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Pedri, three players whose recovery will shape the team’s rhythm over the next few weeks.

Lamine was the first to arrive, around 9:30 a.m., continuing his recovery from the pubalgia that ruled him out of the international break. Although he worked individually and at a lower intensity than the rest, the signs were positive, and the club is optimistic he could be available for Saturday’s match against Athletic Club at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Shortly after, Raphinha appeared, also progressing well after overcoming his hamstring injury. The Brazilian winger already completed part of the session with the group, and all indications point to Hansi Flick being able to rely on him for the clash with the Basques. His return is especially valuable in a stretch where Barça desperately need wide attacking imbalance.

Pedri Improving, but His Return Points Toward the Champions League

The situation with Pedri is different. The midfielder returned to work at the club’s facilities but remains immersed in an individualized recovery plan for his hamstring tear. He will not be ready for this weekend’s match, and the coaching staff’s objective is to have him available for the Champions League showdown against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on November 25.

Tuesday’s session also left several notable takeaways:
• Joan Garcia is already working with the ball and is close to receiving medical clearance after his meniscus surgery.
• Casadó trained normally after missing the last match due to muscle discomfort.
• Youth players Toni Fernández, Dro, Jofre Torrents, Tommy Marqués and Guillem Víctor trained under Flick due to the absence of internationals.
• Marc Bernal only completed a light activation session as he is set to play for Catalunya against Palestine.

Injury Room Progresses as Flick Sparks Internal Competition

Also seen at the Ciutat Esportiva were Gavi and Marc-André ter Stegen, both in the midst of their rehabilitation programs. The Andalusian midfielder will still need more than two months to return following his meniscus operation, while the German goalkeeper is expected to be fit by the end of the year.

Amid positive news and encouraging progress, Barça head into a crucial week. With Lamine and Raphinha on the verge of returning, and Pedri’s comeback on the horizon, Hansi Flick is finally beginning to recover key weapons for the decisive stretch of the season.