Barcelona deensive duo miss team training ahead of Las Palmas clash – report

Unlike yesteryears, Barcelona are peaking at the right time of the season this time around, having gone unbeaten over the course of the last ten days.

This can be boiled down to Xavi’s decision to call it quits on his tenure as coach of the club, or tactical change. Perhaps the breakthrough of certain players like Lamine Yamal or Pau Cubarsi, which has helped competitiveness.

Or simply, players finding footing at the right time.

Through the first-half of the season, Barcelona players seemed to be in the worst form of their lives.

Barcelona players, especially in defence have found stability at the right time during the season. Especially Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, who are at the heart of this rejuvenation.

Araujo, Christensen miss training

Araujo seems to be close to his best recently, having put in a masterclass in defence against Napoli and Atletico Madrid recently. While Andreas Christensen’s form as the holding midfielder cannot go unnoticed.

Neither player trained with the team today, though, as reported by SPORT.

Araujo was released from the Uruguay National Team camp by coach Marcelo Bielsa as a show of support towards Barcelona. He has avoided any injury, thankfully, but has only done individual gym training so far.

As for Christensen, the Danish international picked up an injury ahead of the Atletico Madrid clash. While it was not deemed serious, it was enough to prevent him for joining Denmark for friendlies this fortnight.

He has not trained with the team, either, presumably to allow more rest and recovery.

Successful international break for Barcelona

While it could break their morale, this international break was largely positive for Barcelona as all players avoided injuries. In fact, the players that had called up did not play too many minutes, either.

Ilkay Gunodgan started both games for Germany and ended up playing just over 130 minutes. Marc-Andre ter Stegen clocked in 180 minutes, though, which should not be a problem.

Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, played around 110 minutes, while Pau Cubarsi only got two ±10 minute cameos.

Raphinha, meanwhile, started both games for Brazil, but only ended up playing 125 minutes or so.

With the PSG clash scheduled for midweek, a lot of rotations can be expected in the Barcelona starting lineup, especially starting with the attack, given Robert Lewandowski played about 210 minutes for Poland and picked up a knock.