Gabriel Jesus begins Barcelona training as Gavi provides Hansi Flick with Valencia boost

Barcelona returned to training on Thursday with new signing Gabriel Jesus taking part in his first session and midfielder Gavi making a partial comeback from injury ahead of Sunday’s La Liga meeting with Valencia.

Hansi Flick’s side resumed work at the Joan Gamper Sports City in Sant Joan Despi after a two-day break. Barcelona are preparing for their fourth league match of the season after beating Rayo Vallecano 5-2 on Monday.

They lead La Liga with nine points, level with Real Madrid but ahead on goal difference.

The most notable development at Thursday’s session was the arrival of Gabriel Jesus, who was officially presented by Barcelona on Tuesday. The forward completed his pre-season preparations with Manchester City without any problems and was therefore able to join Flick’s squad from the first day of training after meeting his new team-mates.

Gabriel Jesus entered the Camp Tito Vilanova pitch alongside Raphinha, Joao Cancelo and Hamza Abdelkarim. After stepping on to the grass, he looked up at the sky with his arms outstretched.

The Brazilian’s involvement adds a significant new attacking option for Flick as Barcelona prepare for their trip to Mestalla. The club’s next fixture will be their first opportunity to assess Gabriel Jesus in a competitive matchday setting, although his inclusion in the squad for the Valencia game was not confirmed in the report.

Gavi’s return was the other positive development for Barcelona. The midfielder took part in part of the team’s session after recovering from the injury sustained against Elche.

Gavi was substituted before half-time in that match after suffering a bruise to his right leg, prompting concerns over the seriousness of the problem. He subsequently missed Barcelona’s next two games against Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano.

However, his partial return to training means he is now expected to be included in the squad for the visit to Mestalla.

There was also a surprise presence at the session, with 17-year-old winger Eio Martinez joining the first-team group.

Most of the Barcelona Atletic players were given the morning off after taking part in the Catalan Cup final. Sabadell won that match 2-1, meaning the young players were allowed additional rest while the senior squad continued its preparations under Flick.

Barcelona will now have three days to complete their work before facing Valencia on Sunday, with the club aiming to maintain their perfect start and protect their position at the top of the table.