Barcelona players reject day off ahead of Real Madrid Clasico

Ten Barcelona players reported for training at the club’s training ground on Thursday despite manager Hansi Flick giving the squad a rest day ahead of Sunday’s La Liga Clasico against Real Madrid.

Real Madrid will visit Barcelona for the league fixture, with the two sides preparing to meet after contrasting results in the Champions League.

According to Sport, five players used the day off to maintain their fitness by completing individual work at the club’s training complex. Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Gerard Martin, Xavi Espart and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny were all present and trained diligently.

Their decision came as Barcelona prepared for a demanding fixture against their long-standing rivals, with the players aiming to keep their physical condition at its highest level before the match.

Five injured players were also at the training ground as they continued their rehabilitation programmes. Rony Bardghji, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo are all working towards recovery from their respective injuries.

Barcelona returned from France after suffering their first defeat of the season, losing 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

The defeat came before the club’s latest meeting with Real Madrid, which will also see Barcelona wear a specially designed shirt.

The kit forms part of the club’s agreement with sponsor Spotify and will carry the logo of GOLF WANG, the company founded by American rapper Tyler, The Creator in 2011.

Barcelona confirmed on its website that the GOLF WANG branding would feature on the shirt during the Clasico.

Tyler, The Creator will become the ninth artist to work with Barcelona by placing a personal brand on the club’s shirt for a match against Real Madrid under the partnership with Spotify.