Barcelona set to recover key player for El Clasico as he returns to group training | OneFootball

FC Barcelona resumed training on Thursday following a day off granted by coach Hansi Flick after their UEFA Champions League disappointment against Inter Milan.

The focus is now on preparing for Sunday’s crucial La Liga clash against Real Madrid at Montjuic – a game which could clinch the league title for the Catalans.

Alejandro Balde back

Leading up to the game, Barcelona have been handed a major boost as SPORT reports that key defender Alejandro Balde joined the rest of the squad in today’s group training session.

After being ruled out of the match in Milan, Balde is aiming to return in time for El Clasico. The full-back trained with the group for the first time this Thursday, giving hope that he could feature in the starting eleven.

Flick is closely monitoring his progress and hopes Balde can complete all three training sessions leading up to the match and be fit enough to start. After all, the German manager considers the La Masia gem a key part of his system.

Set to return for Clasico. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

While Gerard Martin filled in admirably in recent matches, performing well against Real Valladolid and Inter Milan, Balde’s return will be a welcome boost given what he brings to the table.

What about the rest of the squad?

Another player working toward a return is Marc Casado, although he is expected to be on the bench for the Clasico due to a lack of match fitness and the strong form of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri in midfield.

Jules Kounde is also progressing in his recovery and is expected to be available soon, but not this weekend.

The only long-term absentee at the moment is Marc Bernal, who is making good progress with the aim of being ready for the start of next season.

Captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen has recovered from his knee injury and featured against Valladolid, but Wojciech Szczesny will remain the starter for El Clasico, as confirmed by Flick.