Barcelona receive defensive boost ahead of Atletico Madrid showdown

Barcelona have been handed a potential boost before their La Liga meeting with Atletico Madrid, with Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen taking part in the club’s final training session before Sunday’s match at the Metropolitano.

The two defenders have made good progress after injuries kept them out of action, but manager Hansi Flick will wait for one final fitness assessment before deciding whether either player can be included in the squad.

Their availability would give Barcelona additional options in defence for a match the club considers particularly important. Barcelona will announce their final squad on Sunday before travelling to the Spanish capital, led by club president Joan Laporta.

Barcelona will be without five players who remain on individual rehabilitation programmes away from full team training: Rodri, Jules Kounde, Dani Olmo, Xavi Espart and Roony Bardghji.

Rodri, Kounde and Olmo are expected to return after the next international break. Xavi Espart, a graduate of Barcelona’s academy, is expected to be back at the start of next year, while Sweden international Roony Bardghji is likely to require a longer recovery period before regaining full fitness.

Flick also included several young players in first-team training. Alex Campos, Ibrahima Tonkara, Max Bonfill and Hamza Abdelkarim joined the senior squad for the session.

Guillem Victor and Oriol Joren were not involved, having instead been called up to Barcelona’s reserve side for their match against Manresa.

Barcelona seeking response after last season’s defeats

The fixture carries added significance for Barcelona, who are seeking to respond after Atletico Madrid eliminated them from both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League last season.

Barcelona’s objective extends beyond settling that score. They also want to secure three points and remain at the top of La Liga before the international break begins.

The match is scheduled for 8 November 2026 at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano stadium.

Barcelona’s Spanish internationals – Juan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal – are expected to stay in Madrid after the match. They will join the Spain squad’s training camp on Monday.