Barcelona pair return to full training ahead of Valencia trip

Barcelona have received a double boost before Sunday’s La Liga meeting with Valencia, with Gabriel Jesus and Gavi completing full training alongside their team-mates on Friday.

The session was held at the Tito Vilanova training ground in Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva as head coach Hansi Flick continued preparations for the club’s fourth league match of the season at Mestalla.

Gabriel Jesus joined Barcelona’s first-team group for the first time on Thursday, a day after signing a contract with the club that runs until 2029. However, he was unable to maintain the same intensity throughout that initial session.

The Brazil forward took part in Friday’s work without restriction and is therefore available to make his Barcelona debut against Valencia, should Flick decide that he is ready to play.

His return to full training gives Flick another attacking option as Barcelona prepare for a demanding away fixture. The final decision on Gabriel Jesus’ involvement will rest with the manager and his assessment of the player’s fitness after two sessions with the squad.

Gavi has also completed his first full training session with the group since suffering a heavy bruise in the opening match of Barcelona’s campaign against Elche. The Spain midfielder was forced to leave that game before half-time and had subsequently spent more than a week away from collective training.

His return provides further encouragement for Flick, although there was no indication that Gavi’s availability automatically guarantees a place in the starting line-up at Mestalla.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old winger Iu Martinez again trained under Flick. The Barcelona Atletic-style youth side player has continued to be involved in first-team sessions, maintaining the presence of a new face within the senior squad as the manager assesses his options.

Sunday’s fixture will mark Barcelona’s final visit to the current Mestalla, unless the two sides are drawn against each other in the Copa del Rey later in the campaign. Barcelona are due to return to a new Mestalla next season once construction work on the stadium has been completed.

Flick’s side will now complete their preparations for the trip to Valencia with both Gabriel Jesus and Gavi having made important progress in training. Gabriel Jesus could be in line for his first appearance in Barcelona colours, while Gavi’s return ends a spell on the sidelines after the injury setback suffered against Elche.