Rodri completes first Barcelona training session, nears debut; Gavi injury monitored

Published Aug 24, 12:16 PM UTC

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona midfielder Rodri completed his first full training session with the team on Monday, marking a significant step toward his debut. The new signing, who arrived a week ago and was officially presented on Tuesday, joined the higher-intensity training group after following a specific plan to regain fitness post-holidays. Although registered in La Liga, he was not included in the squad for the match against Elche. Coach Hansi Flick confirmed Rodri would join team training, which occurred as planned. Meanwhile, Alejandro Balde returned to full training after being left out of the Elche match, with Flick denying claims he asked Balde to leave. Barcelona is closely monitoring Gavi's knee injury sustained during the Elche match; initial medical results are more optimistic than feared, but the club will only release results if an injury is confirmed. Jordi Pescador was absent due to Spanish U18 national team duties.