Barcelona midfield duo will be a part of the US pre-season tour despite lack of fitness

Barcelona have made the decision to include Frenkie de Jong and Gavi in their pre-season tour squad, as per a report by Jordi Gil in SPORT. 

This move is aimed at aiding their recovery from injuries. Both players are currently in the process of recuperating, with their exact return dates to match fitness still unknown.

Gavi, the young Spanish midfielder, is still a considerable distance from being match-ready. He has only recently started training with the ball again, which indicates that his full recovery will take some time. 

Meanwhile, de Jong’s fitness remains uncertain, adding an element of unpredictability to the team’s preparation.

A tour featuring Barça Atletic talents

Barcelona’s pre-season tour will kick off with a trip to the United States on Monday. The squad for this tour is yet to be finalized, and there will be several notable absences. 

Frenkie de Jong and Gavi will travel to the US for Barcelona’s pre-season tour. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

To fill the gaps, a significant number of players from Barça Atletic will be included. These young players will be given an opportunity to showcase their talents and make an impression.

Hansi Flick plans to use the tour to test his squad and observe their performance outside the familiar environment of Ciutat Esportiva. This is why the inclusion of Gavi and de Jong, despite their injuries, is being considered. 

Gavi holds considerable influence within the team, especially among the younger players. Flick would be pleased to have him on the tour, provided it doesn’t interfere with his recovery schedule. 

However, it is clear that he is not expected to be ready to start the new season. Similarly, de Jong might also travel with the squad while he continues to recover from his ankle injury. 

The Dutch midfielder is seen as a crucial player for Flick’s plans, and his presence during the tour would be beneficial for team cohesion and morale. As one of the team captains, de Jong’s role is significant both on and off the pitch.