As Barcelona continues its pre-season preparations in South Korea, concerns have emerged over the fitness of a key star who was absent from group training during the team’s second session on Saturday at the Paju National Football Center.
The player trained alone on a nearby pitch to manage a minor muscle strain, a precautionary measure to prevent a more serious injury.
With the final pre-season match against Daegu FC looming on Monday, the club faces a decision on whether to risk the player or prioritize his recovery.
The player in question is Ferran Torres, who, according to Mundo Deportivo, completed the morning session but was later sidelined due to muscle overload.
While no injury has been confirmed, his participation in the upcoming friendly remains uncertain.
Manager Hansi Flick, who previously managed the workloads of Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia by resting them for the FC Seoul match, may adopt a similar cautious approach with Torres.
Both defenders have since returned to full training, providing a positive update for the squad.
Torres made an impact in Barcelona’s 7-3 victory over FC Seoul, scoring a second-half brace that highlighted his growing importance under Flick.
The Spanish forward is expected to play a more prominent role this season, making his current fitness issue a concern for both player and club.
Barcelona is keen to ensure the strain does not escalate, especially with the competitive season approaching.
The team’s double training session at South Korea’s national team facility included a break for lunch and rest, reflecting the intensive schedule of the Asian tour.
With one final training session scheduled in Seoul on Sunday before traveling to Daegu, Barcelona is focused on fine-tuning its squad.
For Torres, the hope is that this minor setback will not derail his momentum.
As Flick assesses his options, the club remains optimistic that the forward’s issue is temporary, allowing him to return to full fitness and contribute significantly in the season ahead.
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