Barcelona recall pre-season standout Alex Gonzalez for training under Hansi Flick

Barcelona’s Alex Gonzalez has been recalled to first-team training by Hansi Flick after the winger impressed during the club’s pre-season preparations.

Only eight first-team players took part in Tuesday’s session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, with those not selected for international duty completing the squad’s final group workout of the week.

Flick has given the rest of the team time off until next Monday. The break does not apply to Barcelona’s injured players, however, with Dani Olmo, Jules Kounde, Rony Bardghji, Rodri and Xavi Espart continuing to report to the club for treatment and rehabilitation programmes.

Olmo is considered the closest to a return and is expected to be available shortly after the international break. Kounde is also expected back soon afterwards, according to Catalan newspaper Sport.

Flick called up Gonzalez from Barca Atletic for Tuesday’s session. The winger had already trained and played with the first team during pre-season, where he made a particularly strong impression.

Gonzalez joined Barcelona in April and has made rapid progress since arriving at the club. His development at Nastic was a key factor in his swift adaptation to Barcelona’s footballing structure, with the club’s philosophy and style closely resembling the principles established at La Masia.

The winger was an important player for Barcelona’s under-19 side last season, quickly becoming a regular and indispensable member of the team. His performances earned him a place with the first team at the beginning of the new-season preparations.

He travelled with Barcelona to the training camp in England and was given a valuable opportunity to feature in a friendly against Birmingham, playing the second half.

However, Gonzalez suffered a minor muscle strain towards the end of the camp. The injury prevented him from continuing his work with Flick and led to his return to Barca Atletic.

The 22-year-old has since played an important role during the opening stages of the season under reserve-team manager Belletti. He has scored three goals and provided one assist in 312 minutes, contributing to a goal every 78 minutes.

Barcelona are scheduled to face Villarreal in La Liga on 22 November 2026.