Barcelona is ramping up its competitive preparations ahead of the Catalan derby, with the training ground buzzing with key updates.
Following a week-long Christmas break, the squad is diving into an intensive preparation phase leading up to their first official match of 2026 against Espanyol, a clash that is historically filled with emotion and pressure.
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The Blaugrana kicked off the week on Monday with an open training session, marking their return after a seven-day hiatus.
The coaching staff has scheduled five training sessions in total before the derby.
With the match against Espanyol anticipated to be a fiercely contested encounter, Barcelona aims to arrive fully prepared, both physically and mentally.
This week, attention turned to Lamine Yamal, who had missed one of the training sessions and was initially seen as a doubt for the derby.
However, those concerns have since eased, as Yamal has returned to training, and all signs suggest he will be fit to play against Espanyol.
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More clarity on the team’s condition is expected when Hansi Flick speaks at his pre-match press conference.
The Roony Bardghji Situation
Roony Bardghji did not participate in today’s group training. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
While Yamal’s situation appears to be improving, Friday’s training session raised a new question mark regarding Roony Bardghji, who was absent from team practice, fueling rumors.
It’s important to note, however, that Bardghji is not completely sidelined. According to AS, he was engaged in individual gym work as part of a managed workload.
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This is viewed by Barcelona as a precaution rather than a setback, and Bardghji has not been ruled out for the derby against Espanyol.
The decision to have him train individually showcases a careful management strategy, particularly with a packed schedule ahead and the need to minimize risks at this stage of the season.
The mood at the Ciutat Esportiva remains positive. With Yamal back in full training and Bardghji still in contention, Flick has reasons to feel optimistic.
Fans will hope to hear more about both players when Flick addresses the media, providing further insights into who will be available for the upcoming match.