Gabriel Jesus joins Barcelona training as Gavi returns from injury

Gabriel Jesus took part in his first training session with Barcelona on Thursday, while Pablo Gavi returned to group work as the club prepared for Sunday’s La Liga meeting with Valencia.

Barcelona announced the signing of Jesus from Arsenal on Tuesday. The Brazilian forward had completed Arsenal’s pre-season preparations as normal and was therefore able to join Hansi Flick’s squad from the first day of his time at the club.

Jesus used the session to meet his new team-mates and train alongside the rest of the Barcelona squad for the first time. The move has allowed him to settle immediately into Flick’s group ahead of the team’s next league fixture.

Gavi also trained with his team-mates after recovering from the injury that had caused concern during Barcelona’s match against Elche. The midfielder missed the following two games against Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano.

His return means Gavi is now a possible inclusion in Barcelona’s squad for the trip to face Valencia at Mestalla. The club has not indicated that he will definitely play, but his return to collective training represents a positive step after his absence from the previous two matches.

Flick’s players returned to work on Thursday following two days of rest. The session brought both Jesus and Gavi into the main training group as Barcelona continued preparations for their fourth-round fixture.

Barcelona will visit Mestalla on Sunday looking to maintain their perfect start to the league campaign. They currently lead the table with nine points from three matches and remain level on points with Real Madrid, who occupy second place on goal difference.

The arrival of Jesus gives Flick another attacking option as Barcelona prepare for the Valencia fixture, while Gavi’s return provides the manager with increased availability in midfield. Both players were able to train with the group on the same day, although for different reasons: Jesus was beginning his work with his new club, while Gavi was resuming collective training after injury.

Barcelona’s immediate focus is now on Valencia and the opportunity to preserve their position at the top of the standings. The match will be played on Sunday at Mestalla, with the Catalan side entering the contest after winning their opening three league games.