Eric García trains with a mask as Levante return nears

Barcelona held its first training session to prepare for next Sunday’s match at the Ciutat de València. As Mundo Deportivo reports, Hansi Flick had all available players at his disposal after the absences in the game against Feyenoord.

Eric García’s return with a mask

Eric García returned to wearing his mask after an accidental clash with Rodri in Mestalla. The defender was forced off as the impact affected his nasal septum and he asked to be replaced quickly. Mundo Deportivo also notes that he could not play against Feyenoord because he was still serving a ban from last season, but he is now ready for Levante if the coach considers him fit.

Jesse Bisiwu available too

The report adds that Jesse Bisiwu trained with the group as well. The new signing has his paperwork in order and is available for Flick, though he has yet to debut for the first team; he has already logged minutes with Barça Atlètic. He played the Copa Catalunya final vs Sabadell but had to be substituted after suffering a heavy knock, though it turned out to be only a scare.

Elsewhere, the long-term injury list remains: Frenkie de Jong and Karl Bardghji are still sidelined. Deco, speaking on RAC1, said De Jong’s expected recovery time was three to four months, after a right knee internal lateral ligament tear suffered during the World Cup. The text also indicates that Roony has a right knee anterior cruciate ligament injury and will miss a large part of the season, per Mundo Deportivo.