Barcelona training update ahead of El Clasico - key player works normally, academy ace called up again | Barca Universal

"Kounde, who was absent from group training yesterday and the day before, took part in Saturday's session without any apparent issues. The French defender had trained separately the previous day, working individually in the gym, but this time he joined the rest of the squad on the pitch. A final call on his inclusion in the squad for the trip to Madrid will be made once the session is over, based on his feelings and whether the discomfort has eased up or not."

"The right-back has featured in the squad lists against Girona and Olympiacos and could be included again, especially with Kounde's fitness under the scanner. Espart joined the academy regulars like Dro, Toni Fernandez, and Jofre Torrents in training, along with backup goalkeepers Diego Kochen and Eder Aller. Barcelona go into the game with a long list of injuries as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Joan Garcia, Gavi, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are all out."

FC Barcelona completed a final training session on Saturday ahead of El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. The team aims for victory to move to the top of La Liga. Jules Kounde, who missed previous group sessions with a knock and trained separately in the gym, joined the full group on the pitch without apparent issues. A final decision on his inclusion will follow the session and depend on his feelings and any remaining discomfort. Raphinha did not train as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Xavi Espart trained with first-team personnel alongside academy players and backup goalkeepers. Several first-team players remain sidelined, including Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, and Raphinha.

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