Gavi and Gabriel Jesus return to full training ahead of Valencia trip

Barcelona received two pieces of good news from Friday’s training session. Gavi and Gabriel Jesus both completed the entire workout with the first team and could be included in Hansi Flick’s squad for Sunday’s visit to Valencia.

The club officially confirmed that both players had only taken part in sections of Thursday’s session. One day later, those restrictions were removed and they trained normally with the group at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

Neither player has officially been called up yet. That decision will be made after Barcelona complete their final preparations for the match.

GAVI AVAILABLE AGAIN AFTER KNEE PROBLEM

Gavi suffered a blow to his knee during Barcelona’s opening La Liga fixture against Elche. The injury was not described as serious, but the club chose not to take risks with the midfielder and he subsequently missed the next two matches.

According to AS, Gavi is now fit enough to return to Flick’s squad. Completing a full session represents the strongest indication so far that the precautionary period is over, although Barcelona have not yet announced whether he will travel to Valencia.

There was little reason to rush him back. A short absence was preferable to turning a manageable knock into a longer problem. Barcelona can now focus on controlling his minutes rather than trying to force his recovery around the fixture list.

GABRIEL JESUS ARRIVES READY TO CONTRIBUTE

Gabriel Jesus officially became a Barcelona player on 1 September and may require very little time before making his debut. The Brazilian completed preseason with Arsenal and featured in friendly matches before moving to Spain, allowing him to arrive with a solid fitness base.

AS reports that there should be no physical obstacle preventing Jesus from taking a place on the bench at Mestalla if Flick selects him. That does not mean he is expected to start. His inclusion, role and possible playing time remain decisions for the coach.

For Barcelona, it is a welcome change of pace. Their newest signing has completed his first full session and could immediately become a usable option, rather than spending his opening weeks working separately from the squad.

FLICK WILL MAKE THE FINAL CALL

Under-19 midfielder Iu Martínez also joined the first-team session again on Friday. Barcelona will train once more on Saturday morning before Flick speaks to the media at 1pm CEST.

The match against Valencia begins at 4.15pm CEST on Sunday and forms part of the fourth round of the La Liga season. It is also scheduled to be Barcelona’s final visit to the current Mestalla before Valencia move to their new stadium.

Barcelona have opened the campaign with three consecutive league victories and currently lead the table. The return of Gavi and the immediate availability of Gabriel Jesus give Flick two more options, but their exact involvement will not become clear until the squad and starting line-up are announced.