Barcelona key duo not present in training with group ahead of Osasuna clash

Barcelona will lock horns with CA Osasuna on Saturday night away at El Sadar, hoping to register their eighth consecutive win in La Liga this season.

With another victory tomorrow, Barça will equal the record for the best start to a La Liga season, achieved by Tata Martino’s Blaugrana in 2013/14.

And as preparations continued for the game today at Ciutat Esportiva, two key players were not taking part in the group training sessions.

Raphinha and Marc Casado train inside

Indeed, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha and Marc Casado both did not train with the rest of the squad today and only did some work inside the gym facilities.

The good news is that neither player’s availability for tomorrow’s game against Osasuna is under doubt and they will be making the trip to Pamplona.

Raphinha has become one of Flick’s most trusted lieutenants on the pitch this season and has even been captaining the team following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury.

The Brazilian winger has been in top form and is likely to be rewarded with a new contract. Given his current form and importance, Barcelona will need the 27-year-old fit and firing against Osasuna, who have not lost at home this season.

Meanwhile, Casado, too, has enjoyed an exceptional start to the season, becoming a mainstay in the centre of the park, repaying Flick’s trust with commendable displays.

Considering the number of injuries in midfield, the 21-year-old’s presence will be critical and even though he worked indoors, the La Masia man will be available tomorrow.

Inigo Martinez, who picked up a minor knock against Getafe, and Eric Garcia worked on the pitch but separately from the group for the most part. However, both will be available for selection against Osasuna.