Lamine Yamal, Pedri and other Barcelona stars report for voluntary training before Real Madrid clash

Lamine Yamal, Pedri and other Barcelona stars report for voluntary training before Real Madrid clash According to SPORT , several FC Barcelona players reported for voluntary training today at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper despite being given a day off by Hansi Flick ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid. Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Fermin Lopez and Xavi Espart were among those who chose to train, while several injured players continued their rehabilitation as the squad prepares for one of the season’s biggest fixtures. Flick had granted the first-team squad a rest day after Barcelona returned from Paris at around 3.30 am on Wednesday morning following their Champions League match against PSG. The team completed a recovery session later on during the day, but as many as 11 players still turned up at the training complex on Thursday. Barcelona players show commitment Flick’s decision to give the squad a break was understandable after the demanding trip to Paris, particularly with only two collective training sessions scheduled before Sunday’s match. Lamine and Pedri trained on their day off. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) However, several players opted to use the additional time to maintain their fitness and preparation. It offered a glimpse of the squad’s motivation ahead of the meeting with Real Madrid. Alongside Yamal, Pedri, Fermin and Espart, Gerard Martin and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny were also among those who reported for work. Szczesny was a particularly notable presence. The Polish goalkeeper has developed a reputation for his distinctive personality, but his commitment to daily work has also been evident even though he does not play much. Kounde and injured Barcelona stars continue their recovery Not everyone at the training complex was preparing for El Clasico through regular on-pitch work. Kounde remains a doubt for El Clasico. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Roony Bardghji, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo were among the injured players continuing their rehabilitation. Jules Kounde was also present as he works towards a possible return for Sunday’s fixture. However, the French defender’s availability remains uncertain , and his presence at the training ground does not guarantee a place in the matchday squad. With just two collective sessions remaining before El Clasico , Barcelona need to balance enthusiasm with freshness as they aim to bounce back from their first defeat of the season and return to winning ways against Real Madrid.