Updates on the wellbeing of a quartet of Barcelona stars have come to the fore online this evening.
Xavi Hernández’s Barca, of course, are currently in the midst of preparations for a shot at the first piece of silverware of the Spanish season.
This comes as the Catalans prepare to face off with Osasuna, for a place in the final of the Supercopa de España.
In the buildup to the clash, Xavi has been forced to contend with a whole host of personnel concerns, showcased once more en route to Barca’s narrow victory over minnows Barbastro at the weekend.
So, just who is likely to be available, and who will miss out in Riyadh on Thursday?
Well, as alluded to above, an insight into precisely that has today been forthcoming.
First, Iñigo Martinez has been ruled out.
Stopper Martinez picked up a muscular problem against Barbastro, with ensuing medical tests on Monday having revealed an injury ‘to the biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh’.
And joining Martinez in sitting out training on Monday was fellow summer arrival İlkay Gündoğan.
This comes, though, owing to a bout of illness, with the hope therefore that the German international will have recovered in time to face Osasuna.
Last up come updates on star Blaugrana pair Pedri, and João Cancelo.
Both Pedri and Cancelo missed out on Sunday, as their teammates battled their way past a game Barbastro outfit.
As confirmed by Mundo Deportivo, though, the duo are expected to make the trip to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, with the aim of playing at least some part in the Super Cup.
Pedri, for his part, was spotted back in training earlier today, whilst Cancelo’s recovery from a knee issue should be a straightforward one.
Neither will be risked should a relapse be on the cards, but confidence is high that at least one will be at the disposal of boss Xavi this week.
Conor Laird | GSFN
