Barcelona handed triple fitness boost as Araujo, Raphinha and Fermin feature in training game

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been encouraged by the involvement of Ronald Araujo, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez in a behind-closed-doors training match in England, after the club’s planned friendly against Preston North End was cancelled.

The change forced Barcelona to alter the final part of their pre-season camp, but the internal game provided Flick with a positive update on three players who are continuing their respective rehabilitation programmes.

According to Sport, Araujo, Raphinha and Fermin all took part in the session and appeared to be progressing normally. Their participation was particularly significant because each player has been working towards full fitness and a return to competitive action.

The training match began before midday Central European Time and was played over three 20-minute periods. During the first 15 minutes, which were open to the media, the two sides were level at 1-1.

Xavi Espart scored for one team, while Fermin Lopez found the net for the other.

One side featured Wojciech Szczesny, Xavi Espart, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin, Jofre Torrents, Marc Bernal, Marc Casado, Oriol Guren, Adeyemi, Ibrahima Tonkara and Alex Gonzalez.

The opposing team consisted of Iker Rodriguez, Hector Fort, Ronald Araujo, Cortes, Besque, Guille Fernandez, Brian Farinas, Fermin Lopez, Roony Bardghji, Toni Fernandez and Raphinha.

Flick must now decide when Araujo and Raphinha will be ready to return in a competitive setting. Both could potentially feature in the triangular tournament in Udine, Italy, on 8 August, although their first appearances may instead be delayed until Barcelona’s Joan Gamper Trophy meeting with Egyptian club Al Ahly on 19 August.

That is also expected to be Fermin’s target, with his return currently being considered for the match against Al Ahly rather than the event in Udine.

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco watched the training session closely alongside former player and club staff member Bojan Krkic and Alejandro Echevarria. Their presence offered an indication of the importance attached to monitoring the players’ progress during the final days of the English camp.

Frenkie de Jong was also at the session. The midfielder continued with his individual recovery programme as he works his way back from a knee injury, before going on to the pitch to watch his team-mates take part in the practice match.

The cancellation of the Preston North End fixture therefore denied Barcelona another pre-season test, but the replacement exercise gave Flick an opportunity to assess several players in competitive-style conditions. More importantly, the appearances of Araujo, Raphinha and Fermin supplied the clearest positive news from the club’s altered schedule in England.