Barcelona 18-year-old prospect trains with first team after early return from injury

In a positive development for Barcelona, 18-year-old goalkeeper Diego Kochen has returned to first-team training following his recovery from a hamstring injury, reports SPORT.

The young American shot-stopper, who plays for Barça Atletic, was the notable addition to Hansi Flick’s training session today.

Back from injury

Kochen’s injury was initially reported by Barcelona on September 20th, when the club announced that the Miami-born keeper had suffered a left hamstring injury.

The estimated recovery time was set at four weeks. However, just three and a half weeks later, Kochen was back training normally, that too with the first team.

The American starlet had started the season in excellent form, featuring as the first-choice goalkeeper in Barça Atletic’s first two matches before suffering the injury setback.

Kochen’s return to fitness comes at an interesting time for Barcelona. With first-choice keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen injured and the emergency signing of Wojciech Szczesny, the goalkeeping hierarchy has seen some changes.

During Kochen’s absence, Ander Astralaga and Aron Yaakobishvili have shared the role of third-choice goalkeeper for the first team, while both have also played for Barça Atletic on a few occasions.

What next for Kochen?

Looking ahead, Barça Atletic are set to take on Ponferradina away from home this Saturday, while the first team host Sevilla on Sunday in Montjuïc.

This schedule could allow either Kochen or Astralaga to play for the subsidiary team on Saturday and still be available for the first team on Sunday.

Kochen’s return to first-team training this Monday could be a hint at him being involved in Hansi Flick’s plans, although his recent injury layoff may also be a factor in team selection decisions.

Kochen possesses the attributes to potentially become the Blaugrana’s future number one. He is known for his quick reflexes and agility between the posts, as well as his command of aerial play and exceptional footwork.