RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesBarcelona first-team trio return to training ahead of schedule
Barcelona are gradually welcoming back their stars following the World Cup, and a few players have opted to return to training earlier than expected.
While the first team was handed a day off on Sunday by Hansi Flick following the triangular tournament in Udine, several players still reported to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper to get a head start on their preparations.
Three early returnees
Eric Garcia is among the early returnees. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
According to Mundo Deportivo , the main news is the early return of Eric Garcia and Joan Garcia, who carried out their first pre-season training session on Sunday.
The two World Cup winners had not been expected back until Wednesday the 12th, so their decision to report early is a welcome boost for Flick as he looks to integrate his returning internationals as quickly as possible.
Both goalkeeper Joan Garcia and the versatile Eric Garcia played their part in Spain’s triumph in the United States, and their eagerness to get back to work reflects the positive mood around the squad following that success.
Gordon settles in
The third new face at the Ciutat Esportiva on Sunday was summer signing Anthony Gordon, who also returned ahead of schedule.
Anthony Gordon will be itching to get started. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
The Englishman arrived in Barcelona last Friday to settle into his new surroundings and wasted little time in getting down to business, taking part in his first session with the club.
His early arrival will please Flick, who is keen to have his new attacking recruit up to speed before the competitive season begins.
Gordon joined from Newcastle earlier in the window and is expected to play a significant role in Barcelona’s reshaped forward line, particularly with Robert Lewandowski having departed and Ferran Torres linked with a move away .
A promising sign for Flick
The trio were not the only familiar faces at Sant Joan Despi either, with Gavi having returned to training as far back as Thursday, a full six days ahead of schedule.
That collective eagerness to report back early is an encouraging sign for Flick, whose squad has been depleted throughout pre-season due to the extended breaks handed to the club’s World Cup contingent.
With the players now filtering back and the LaLiga opener against Elche on the horizon, Barcelona’s preparations are finally beginning to take shape.
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