Boost for Barcelona as duo return to group training ahead of Athletic Club encounter

With the international break done and dusted, Barcelona are set to resume their campaign on Sunday, as they take on Athletic Club.

It is a must-win game for the Catalans, who are coming on the back of a disappointing draw with Granada and are trailing league leaders Real Madrid by three points.

And in the midst of all the injuries piling up, Barcelona appear to have received a major boost heading into this game on Sunday.

Balde, Yamal training with the group

Toni Juanmarti has recently offered a fresh update on Barcelona’s team news ahead of the Athletic Club encounter.

The journalist has confirmed that both Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde are training with the group. Both of them were present in today’s training session, along with the rest of their teammates.

It must be noted that both Yamal and Balde were struggling with niggles and were a slight doubt for the Athletic Club game.

Yamal picked up some discomfort during the game against Granada and was not with the Spain squad for the international break.

Meanwhile, Balde was forced to return to the club from the Spain camp after their game against Scotland due to some discomfort in the adductor, although it was nothing serious.

But it appears both are training normally and should take part in Sunday’s encounter at home. This also confirms earlier reports claiming the same.

What’s the outlook on other injured players?

While Balde and Yamal might end up featuring in Sunday’s clash against Athletic, other injured Barcelona stars may still have to wait.

The likes of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, and Frenkie de Jong are very unlikely to return to full fitness this week, thus ruling them out of the tie.

Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo is coming on the back of a strenuous international break. Even though he played with Uruguay, he is expected to return to training quite late – making him a doubt against Athletic Club.

Barcelona are also unlikely to take any risks with Pedri, meaning even the Spaniard could miss out on the game this weekend.

This leaves Xavi with limited options as he looks to guide his team to a victory against the Basque outfit. Nonetheless, the return of Balde and Yamal could serve as a sigh of relief for the Barça coach.