La Liga giants Barcelona returned to training on Tuesday (25/3 local time) with an incomplete squad. A number of players were absent due to international duty with their respective national teams.
The Blaugrana are preparing for their postponed match against Osasuna, which has been rescheduled for Friday (28/3), under the guidance of Hansi Flick. Three Barca players have been called up to the Spanish U-21 squad.
Fermin Lopez, Pablo Torre and Gerard Martin have all taken part in training. Coach Hansi Flick will still have to rely on La Masia academy players to complete his squad.
Alexis Olmedo and Ruben Lopez Break Into Barcelona First Team
In Alexis Olmedo and Ruben Lopez, Flick has opted for two versatile youngsters to complete the training with the Barcelona first-team squad. Neither Olmedo nor Lopez are first-team regulars, so their inclusion will come as a pleasant surprise to the youngsters who have been waiting for the German tactician to call them up.
Originally a centre-back, Olmedo has also played at right-back when required. The 19-year-old is known for his speed, excellent tackling and composure when playing from the back.
His aerial ability is also a plus, which makes him equally at home in either position. The La Masia graduate has been a target for Flick since breaking into the first team in pre-season last summer.
Having recently recovered from a muscle injury that sidelined him for two months, Olmedo returned to action for the Blaugrana academy earlier this month. Training with the senior side has been a source of encouragement for the young Spaniard.
Lopez, meanwhile, is a central midfielder who has been playing at left-back for the Barcelona academy since joining last summer. He has also played as a holding midfielder and even as a right winger when required.
Flick has had little contact with Lopez, although this is not the first time the 20-year-old has had first-team training. He was also called up during the international break last October, when he first caught the 60-year-old’s eye.
With Barcelona still missing several first-team players due to international duty, the inclusion of Olmedo and Lopez gives Flick two flexible options capable of playing in a variety of roles. The youngsters will be keen to make the most of the opportunity to impress the Catalan club’s first-team coaching staff.
