Barcelona leave Rodri decision late after midfielder trains alone

Barcelona have continued to manage Rodri’s return carefully after the midfielder trained away from the first-team group on Saturday, two days before their La Liga meeting with Rayo Vallecano at Spotify Camp Nou.

Rodri worked in the gym before completing an individual session separately from the main squad, according to Spanish newspaper Sport. His availability for Monday’s match remains possible, although it would be a surprise if he were selected to start as Barcelona continue to build up his fitness gradually.

The midfielder made his first appearance for Barcelona in the meeting with Athletic Club and made a positive impression. However, he has followed a personal training programme since joining the club after completing only a small number of sessions with his new team-mates.

Barcelona’s medical and physical therapy staff have been increasing his workload step by step, with the aim of helping him recover his match rhythm without placing unnecessary demands on him.

There is said to be complete calm at Barcelona over Rodri’s physical condition. The club believe he is ready to play and could become an important part of manager Hansi Flick’s plans, but they are unwilling to rush him into regular action.

Rodri returned from holiday only a few days ago after leading Spain to World Cup success. That limited preparation time is the main reason Barcelona are expected to take a cautious approach to his comeback.

He is not expected to have a problem being included in the squad to face Rayo Vallecano on Monday. However, the club are likely to introduce him progressively rather than immediately asking him to handle a full match from the opening whistle.

Barcelona began preparations for the third round of the 2026-27 La Liga season at 09:30 BST on Saturday. The session took place at the Camp Tito Vilanova training ground at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and was led by Flick, who worked with all available first-team players.

Dominik Livakovic, Barcelona’s latest signing, took part in the session. It was the goalkeeper’s second training session since joining the Catalan club.

Gavi was the only absent first-team player apart from long-term injured players Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji. Eder Aller, Hamza Abdelkarim, Brian Farinas and Jesse Pissou also trained with the senior squad.

Barcelona’s match against Rayo Vallecano will take place at Spotify Camp Nou on Monday as Flick’s side continue their league campaign. While Rodri’s presence in the squad appears possible, his involvement is expected to depend on how he responds to the final stages of the club’s carefully controlled programme.