Barcelona duo have shown up for pre-season medicals against Xavi’s instructions

Barcelona begin their pre-season camp today with players returning to the club’s facilities for their customary medical tests at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

Many of the first-team players, barring those who were involved in the UEFA Nations League fixtures last month, arrived at the training facilities on Monday morning.

And as reported by Mundo Deportivo, there were a couple of surprise faces that showed up to undergo their pre-season medicals in the form of Neto and Riqui Puig,

Both Neto and Puig are not in the plans of manager Xavi Hernandez this summer and had been instructed not to show up for pre-season this week in order to give them time to sort out their future.

The pair had been informed that they can join the camp from July 11, with the rest of the international players.

However, despite the manager’s orders, the goalkeeper and midfielder showed up at the Ciutat Esportiva complex earlier today and were put through fitness tests along with the other players who arrived.

While the duo might have undergone the pre-season medicals, it remains to be seen if they will be involved in the first training session in the afternoon.

Puig has struggled for game-time since being pushed to the first-team setup a few seasons ago. His situation has not improved under Xavi, with the La Masia product struggling for minutes last season.

As for Neto, he has played second-fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen since his arrival from Valencia in 2019. The Brazilian has been linked with an exit, although recent reports suggested that he wished to see out his contract, which expires in 2023.

Even though Neto and Puig have shown up to the pre-season camp, it is unlikely that their situation will change anytime soon. Given the circumstances, an exit would be the best step forward for all parties involved.