Barcelona defender on track to make his debut against Osasuna – report

Ever since his unveiling, Barcelona have been waiting to integrate Inigo Martinez into the team dynamics.

The experienced centre-back was signed on a free transfer this summer, as Xavi’s desire for a quality left-footed centre-back was finally fulfilled.

However, the Spanish central defender has been nursing a foot injury that has kept him on the sidelines for just over four months now.

Inigo is one of two players (alongside fellow Spaniard Marcos Alonso) yet to be registered, as Barcelona still look to fall back in line with Financial Fair Play regulations before they can include him in matchday squads.

Inigo Martinez to return to training

Fresh reports from SPORT highlight that the 32-year-old will return to training during the Wednesday session to start preparing for his debut with the club.

He has been training alone, predominantly doing gym sessions to aid his recovery, but he is slowly being eased into group training with growing optimism of a medical green light within the next two weeks.

While it seems unlikely that he will play against Villarreal, he is expected to make the squad for the trip to Osasuna, where he could receive his first minutes with Barcelona.

SPORT also suggest that the defender’s presence in the locker room has been very positive, and the player has been a model of professionalism.

He was one of the five players who showed up to the Ciutat Esportiva for training despite Xavi giving the squad two days off.

The club have been very active in the summer, and are still looking at signings in the remainder of the transfer window, however, Inigo’s return will hand an important boost to Xavi with Ronald Araujo out injured.

There is still work to be done in terms of finalising the cash injection from the German investment fund, alongside potential player sales, in order to register Inigo Martinez in time to be able to make the cut.