Rodri misses Barcelona’s final training session before La Liga opener

Rodri’s first appearance for Barcelona is in serious doubt after the midfielder missed the club’s final full-team training session before Sunday’s La Liga meeting with Elche.

The Spain international did not work with his new team-mates on Saturday, as Barcelona completed their preparations for their opening league fixture of the season. He also did not step on to the training pitch during the 15-minute period made available to the media.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, those developments make Rodri’s involvement against Elche highly unlikely. Unless there is a late surprise, the midfielder’s Barcelona debut appears set to be delayed by a few more days.

Rodri completed an individual training programme on Friday and repeated that routine on Saturday rather than joining the main group. The decision to keep him apart from the squad comes just before Barcelona begin their campaign in La Liga.

The midfielder is currently regarded as Barcelona’s most notable signing of the summer transfer window. His arrival has attracted considerable attention during a particularly busy first week at the club.

Rodri arrived in Barcelona on Monday and was formally presented as a new player on Tuesday. His introduction to the Catalan club then continued to dominate attention during Wednesday’s Joan Gamper Trophy, even though he did not take part in the match itself.

During the presentation ceremony at the event, Rodri received the biggest ovation from the supporters. That reception underlined the interest surrounding his arrival, but his first competitive involvement for Barcelona now looks likely to come later than expected.

His absence from the final team session leaves little time for him to be involved in the opening match against Elche. Barcelona’s preparations have therefore concluded without Rodri training alongside his team-mates, following two consecutive days of individual work.

The club’s first league fixture is scheduled for Sunday, with Rodri’s fitness and availability now the main point of uncertainty surrounding the team before the start of the season. Part of the focus that had followed him since his arrival has shifted from his presentation and reception by supporters to the question of when he will make his first appearance.

For now, the information from Saturday’s training session suggests that Barcelona are unlikely to have their leading summer signing available for the league opener. Unless his situation changes unexpectedly, Rodri’s debut will have to wait.