Barcelona’s major summer signing Rodri took an important step toward his competitive debut on Monday, completing his first full training session with the squad at the Tito Vilanova pitch in the Ciutat Esportiva. The Spain international had trained individually after undergoing a minor back operation and arriving with limited pre-season preparation following the World Cup.
Rodri did not feature in Barcelona’s opening La Liga fixture, a 5–0 victory over Elche at the Estadio Martínez Valero, but he is now working toward a potential debut against Athletic Club at Spotify Camp Nou on Thursday. Barcelona’s first home league match of the season is scheduled for 9.30pm CEST. However, after only one full group session, the coaching staff may decide to manage his return cautiously rather than guarantee an immediate appearance.
Hansi Flick’s squad returned to training on Monday morning following the win in Alicante. Players who completed the most minutes against Elche carried out recovery work indoors, while Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi, Pedri and Fermín López were the only players who featured on Sunday to take part on the Tito Vilanova pitch. Rodri was among those completing the full, higher-intensity session, alongside Alejandro Balde, Dani Olmo, Jules Koundé, João Cancelo, Pau Cubarsí and several others.
Gavi was absent from the pitch after taking a knock to his right knee against Elche. Medical tests confirmed that the midfielder has suffered a bruise rather than a serious injury. Barcelona said there was no cause for alarm and that he is expected to return to training shortly, although the club did not provide a definitive availability update for the Athletic Club fixture.
Barcelona continue to have longer-term injury concerns. Roony Bardghji has undergone surgery after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and is expected to face an absence of at least several months. Frenkie de Jong is also sidelined with a knee-ligament injury, with no confirmed return date.
Rodri’s return to collective training gives Flick an additional option in midfield as Barcelona begin their title defence. The 30-year-old was signed from Manchester City in a package reported at €76.5 million, and Flick has described him as a leader whose experience and positional discipline can strengthen the side. Whether that contribution begins on Thursday or after a more gradual reintroduction remains to be seen.
