Three Barcelona academy players train with the first team ahead of Elche clash | Barca Universal

"As Barcelona continue to battle a wave of injuries that has decimated Hansi Flick's first-team squad, the one silver lining emerging from this crisis is the renewed involvement of La Masia talents. The club's academy, long celebrated for producing world-class players, is once again stepping up to fill the void left by injured stars. Pedri's latest setback, which is expected to keep him sidelined for six to seven weeks, has forced Flick to rethink his midfield options."

"Numbers have been trimmed However, according to Mundo Deportivo, the first-team dynamic shifted slightly ahead of Barcelona's weekend clash against Elche. The report indicates that only three academy players, namely Toni Fernandez, Pedro 'Dro' Fernandez, and Xavi Espart, remained with the senior squad in today's training session. The rest of the youth contingent, including Jofre Torrents, Tommy Marques, and Alvaro Cortes, were sent back to work with the reserves."

"In the goalkeeping department, Diego Kochen and Eder Aller continue to train regularly with the first team. With Wojciech Szczesny currently serving as the temporary No. 1, the young duo is acting as backup options while both Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre ter Stegen work on their recoveries. Garcia is expected to return soon, while Ter Stegen's comeback will take a little longer."

Barcelona face a wave of injuries that has depleted the first-team squad and prompted increased reliance on La Masia prospects. Pedri’s setback, expected to sideline him for six to seven weeks, forced midfield reassessments and prompted Hansi Flick to inspect youth options like Tommy Marques. Only three academy players—Toni Fernandez, Pedro 'Dro' Fernandez and Xavi Espart—remained with the senior group for one training session, while Jofre Torrents, Marques and Alvaro Cortes returned to the B team under Juliano Belletti. Diego Kochen and Eder Aller continue to train with the first team as backup options while Wojciech Szczesny serves as temporary No. 1. Joan Garcia is expected to return soon, while Marc-André ter Stegen requires a longer recovery.

Read at Barca Universal