24-year-old Barcelona star misses group training due to muscle overload ahead of Seoul clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona resumed their pre-season preparations this afternoon with a training session held under sweltering conditions in South Korea. Despite the intense heat and humidity, the session went ahead without major setbacks, and the squad continues to cope well physically.

The only player to train away from the main group was Eric Garcia. As per SPORT, the 23-year-old Spanish defender is dealing with muscle overload in his left leg. As a precaution, he was assigned to specific individual drills, but the injury is not considered serious.

Hansi Flick remains cautious about player workload. One notable example is Marc Bernal, the talented young midfielder included in the touring squad. The coaching staff is opting for a patient approach with the youngster, and he is unlikely to see match action during the Asian tour.

FC Barcelona Set to Face FC Seoul on Thursday

Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images

Barcelona’s next pre-season test will take place on Thursday, when they face FC Seoul. Flick is expected to continue rotating and evaluating the younger members of the squad, along with new signings who stood out in the 3-1 win against Vissel Kobe, including Joan Garcia, Marcus Rashford, and Roony Bardghji.

In that game, Eric Garcia featured as a right-back, rotating with Jules Kounde. The Spaniard scored Barcelona’s first goal of the pre-season by capitalizing on a rebound in the box, suggesting he has continued right where he left off last season.

Pre-Season Winds Down

Barca’s pre-season will conclude with a friendly against Daegu on Monday, August 4. The final dress rehearsal ahead of La Liga opener will be the Joan Gamper Trophy, scheduled for Sunday, August 10, at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, where Barcelona will host Como.

The Catalan giants will then shift focus to competitive action. Their La Liga opener is slated for Saturday, August 16, against RCD Mallorca at Son Moix Stadium.