Barcelona’s first training session of the week provided a significant boost as winger Raphinha rejoined group activities on Tuesday at the Joan Gamper Sports City. The squad resumed work after a four-day break, with several players still away on international duty.
The Brazilian international has been out of action since September 25, when he suffered an injury to the biceps femoris in his right thigh during a league match against Oviedo. While his initial recovery timeline was set at approximately three weeks, a subsequent setback extended his period on the sidelines. His return to the main group marks a crucial step in the final phase of his rehabilitation.
Positive Signs for Squad Depth
In another encouraging development, young midfielder Marc Casado also participated fully with the group. Casado had been a late withdrawal from the match against Celta Vigo on November 9 after experiencing discomfort during the warm-up.
The session was primarily composed of the team’s non-international players. Alongside Raphinha and Casado, the group included goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, backup keeper Joan García, and defender Eric García, who continues to train with a protective mask following a nasal fracture sustained on November 5.
Youth Players Given Opportunity
With a reduced squad available, manager Xavi Hernández integrated several academy players into the session. The group was supplemented by B team talents Dro Fernández, Tommy Marqués, Guillem Victor, Jofre Torrents, and Toni Fernández.
The only notable absence was midfielder Marc Bernal, who was scheduled to feature for the Catalonia representative team in a friendly match against Palestine at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys later in the day.
Raphinha’s progressing fitness will be a welcome sight for the coaching staff as Barcelona prepares for a congestated fixture schedule upon the conclusion of the international break.
