Three Barcelona academy talents continue first-team training ahead of Alaves clash
· Yahoo Sports
Visit rouesnews.click for more information.
Barcelona have continued to involve three academy prospects in first-team training as Hansi Flick prepares his side for Saturday’s La Liga clash against Alaves.
Indeed, as per Mundo Deportivo, Guillem Victor, Alex Campos and Ebrima Tunkara were all involved in Friday’s final session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, with the manager assessing his options ahead of the game.
The continued presence of the youngsters comes at a difficult time for Barcelona, who are dealing with several injuries, particularly in defence.
Jules Kounde has been ruled out after failing to return to training with the group, while Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Xavi Espart also remain unavailable.
Guillem Victor and Alex Campos offer defensive cover
Flick has once again turned to Barça Atletic to address the shortage of defensive options.
Right-back Guillem Victor, 19, and centre-back Alex Campos, 18, trained with the senior squad ahead of the meeting with Alaves.
Alex Campos could be called up again. (Picture credit: Instagram/@aleexcampos_)
Both youngsters could have an opportunity to make the matchday squad, although their inclusion is not yet confirmed.
Campos has already gained some exposure to the first-team environment, having been included in the squad lists for Barcelona’s recent matches against PSG and Real Madrid.
Training with the first team gives Victor and Campos another chance to demonstrate their readiness, even if a senior debut or appearance against Alaves is not guaranteed.
Ebrima Tunkara remains under Flick’s supervision
The third youngster continuing to train with Barcelona’s senior squad is Ebrima Tunkara. The 16-year-old starlet can operate as an interior midfielder or an attacking midfielder and has remained involved in the first-team setup under Flick.
His inclusion offers comes as a direct response to the injury-enforced absence of Dani Olmo.
The teenage starlet impressed heavily under the German tactician during the pre-season in the summer and has been working with the senior setup over the past week.
Ebrima Tunkara continues to work under Flick. (Picture credit: Instagram/@ebrimatunkara10)
Apart from Garcia, Kounde, Christensen, Espart, and Olmo, Roony Bardghji is also unavailable, adding to Flick’s selection concerns as Barcelona attempt to respond to their 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, there was also a brief scare involving Raphinha during Friday’s session. The Brazilian appeared to feel discomfort after an accidental collision with Fermin Lopez, who immediately apologised.
Raphinha soon gave a thumbs-up to indicate that he was fine and continued training at full intensity.
Barcelona will hope there are no further setbacks before kick-off, with Flick already facing the challenge of assembling a competitive side amid the growing injury list.