MX23RW : Friday, November 1 20:03:56| >> :60:2840:2840:

Barcelona receive major injury boost as player returns to training

Crucial week: Barca receive major injury boost as star returns to training
© Imago
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez returns to first-team training following over a month out of action due to a thigh injury.

Barcelona have received a major injury boost ahead of their return to action following October's international break.

The Catalan giants are enjoying the start of life under the stewardship of former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick during the opening weeks of the 2024-25 term.

Barca currently occupy top spot in the La Liga standings after collecting 24 points from nine matches, allowing them to build a three-point advantage over arch rivals Real Madrid in second.

On the continental stage, the five-time European champions have endured a mixed start, losing 2-1 at Monaco in the Champions League before beating Young Boys 5-0 on October 1.

Flick's troops face a tricky week on their return from the international pause, battling Sevilla in La Liga before the hosting of Bayern Munich in the Champions League on October 23.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick on August 27, 2024© Imago

Barcelona handed major injury boost

Ahead of a difficult-looking schedule before the conclusion of October, Barcelona have been handed a major fitness boost in the form of a young midfielder.

They have confirmed that Spaniard Fermin Lopez has returned to first-team training following a couple of weeks on the sidelines.

The 21-year-old suffered a thigh strain in training on September 17, meaning that he has not featured in any of Barca's last seven fixtures across all competitions.

However, with Lopez back on the grass with his teammates, the midfielder could make a return to the matchday squad for the visit of Sevilla on Sunday night.

Suffering from a hamstring injury, Euro 2024 winner Dani Olmo is edging closer to a first-team appearance once again, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Xavi Hernandez managing Barcelona on May 26, 2024© Imago

Lopez to the Premier League?

While Lopez battled back from a thigh issue over recent weeks, speculation started to swirl around a potential switch away from Camp Nou for the player in the near future.

With Erik ten Hag under pressure at Manchester United's Theatre of Dreams, it has been reported that former Barcelona player and manager Xavi was a contender to replace the Dutchman.

It is claimed that the Red Devils are willing to bring Lopez to Old Trafford as a way of convincing Xavi to take the top job at the Premier League strugglers.

ID:555415:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect3913:

Click here for more stories about Hansi Flick

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe on October 6, 2024
Read Next:
Could Man United sign key Barcelona duo next summer?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Texans
13-21
Jets
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona11100137102730
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Villarreal116322019121
4Atletico MadridAtletico11551167920
5Athletic Bilbao115331711618
6Real BetisBetis11533119218
7Mallorca11533108218
8Osasuna115331616018
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Sevilla114341215-315
11Celta Vigo114161720-313
12Real Sociedad11335810-212
13GironaGirona113351114-312
14Leganes11254912-311
15Getafe1117389-110
16AlavesAlaves113171319-610
17Espanyol113171019-910
18Las PalmasLas Palmas112361319-69
19Real ValladolidValladolid11227923-148
20Valencia11146817-97


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!