Barcelona full-back absent from group training to manage workload

Barcelona full-back absent from group training to manage workload Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde was absent from group training on Tuesday morning after following an individual fitness programme as part of the club’s new pre-season workload management strategy. According to Mundo Deportivo , the 22-year-old did not train alongside the rest of Hansi Flick’s squad at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, instead completing specific exercises away from the group to manage his physical condition.  The Barcelona news indicates the decision was precautionary rather than injury-related, with the club introducing more personalised training programmes under new fitness coach Benjamin Kugel . As a result of Balde’s absence, 17-year-old academy left-back Jordi Pesquer was called up to train with the senior squad. Balde follows individual training plan Barcelona resumed pre-season preparations on Tuesday with another session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, but Balde was one of the notable absentees from the main group. Rather than participating in the full team session, the Spanish defender carried out individual work designed to manage accumulated fatigue ahead of the demanding weeks to come. The personalised programme forms part of a new fitness approach introduced by Benjamin Kugel, who recently joined Barcelona as the club’s fitness coach.  The objective is to maximise player performance throughout pre-season while reducing the risk of overload and muscle-related injuries. According to the report, Balde became the first senior player to follow one of these tailored sessions away from the rest of the squad. Barcelona are scheduled to hold a double training session on Wednesday, when it will become clearer whether the left-back rejoins full team activities or continues with his individual programme. Barcelona planning future with Balde Balde will face severe competition for the left-back role next season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The aforementioned update also arrives amid continued speculation over his future at Camp Nou. Barcelona remain keen to complete the permanent signing of Joao Cancelo , while Hansi Flick is understood to value the Portuguese international highly because of his tactical versatility.  That has naturally increased competition for places across the defensive line and sparked questions about Balde’s long-term role within the squad. Despite the speculation, reports have consistently indicated that the Spain international has no intention of leaving Barcelona this summer. The defender remains committed to fighting for his place and is expected to stay at the club as Flick prepares his squad for the new campaign.