A double injury blow has struck FC Barcelona, with two major stars forced to withdraw from training ahead of their final pre-season friendly.
According to Diario Sport, the duo’s absence from Sunday’s practice underscores manager Hansi Flick’s cautious approach, prioritizing player health with the 2025-26 season looming.
The club is keen to avoid risking injuries as they prepare for a demanding campaign.
The players sidelined are midfielder Fermin Lopez and defender Inigo Martinez.
Martinez was the first to leave the training pitch, dealing with muscle fatigue that limited him to just 45 minutes in the opening pre-season game against Vissel Kobe and kept him out of the subsequent match against FC Seoul.
The medical team noted that the defender is nearing his physical limit, prompting Barcelona to rest him for the Daegu clash as a precaution to prevent further complications.
Meanwhile, Lopez suffered a knock to his knee during the session, visibly frustrated as he left the pitch despite the injury being deemed non-serious.
Flick, offering a comforting gesture, opted to err on the side of caution.
The decision reflects Flick’s clear directive to the squad: report any discomfort immediately to the medical staff.
With the new season just weeks away, Barcelona is focused on ensuring its players are fit for competitive action.
Both Martinez and Lopez will now shift their focus to recovery, with the club confident that these precautionary measures will prevent long-term issues.
As Barcelona wraps up its Asian tour, the absence of these two players highlights the challenges of managing a packed pre-season schedule.
Flick’s emphasis on player welfare signals a strategic approach to building a robust squad for the 2025-26 campaign.
With the LaLiga season approaching, Barcelona will hope that Martinez and Lopez return to full fitness soon, ready to contribute to the team’s ambitions for silverware.
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