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Barcelona receive major injury boost as player returns to training

Crucial week: Barca receive major injury boost as star returns to training
© Imago
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez returns to first-team training following over a month out of action due to a thigh injury.

Barcelona have received a major injury boost ahead of their return to action following October's international break.

The Catalan giants are enjoying the start of life under the stewardship of former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick during the opening weeks of the 2024-25 term.

Barca currently occupy top spot in the La Liga standings after collecting 24 points from nine matches, allowing them to build a three-point advantage over arch rivals Real Madrid in second.

On the continental stage, the five-time European champions have endured a mixed start, losing 2-1 at Monaco in the Champions League before beating Young Boys 5-0 on October 1.

Flick's troops face a tricky week on their return from the international pause, battling Sevilla in La Liga before the hosting of Bayern Munich in the Champions League on October 23.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick on August 27, 2024© Imago

Barcelona handed major injury boost

Ahead of a difficult-looking schedule before the conclusion of October, Barcelona have been handed a major fitness boost in the form of a young midfielder.

The Catalan club have confirmed that Spaniard Fermin Lopez has returned to first-team training following a couple of weeks on the sidelines.

The 21-year-old suffered a thigh strain in training on September 17, meaning that he has not featured in any of Barca's last seven fixtures across all competitions.

However, with Lopez back on the grass with his teammates, the midfielder could make a return to the matchday squad for the visit of Sevilla on Sunday night.

Suffering from a hamstring injury, Euro 2024 winner Dani Olmo is edging closer to a first-team appearance once again, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Xavi Hernandez managing Barcelona on May 26, 2024© Imago

Lopez to the Premier League?

Whilst Lopez battled back from a thigh issue over recent weeks, speculation started to swirl around a potential switch away from Camp Nou for the player in the near future.

With Erik ten Hag under pressure at Manchester United's Theatre of Dreams, it has been reported that former Barcelona player and manager Xavi was a contender to replace the Dutchman.

It is claimed that the Red Devils are willing to bring Lopez to Old Trafford as a way of convincing Xavi to take the top job at the Premier League strugglers.

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona98012891924
2Real Madrid96301961321
3Atletico MadridAtletico9450135817
4Villarreal95221717017
5Osasuna94321314-115
6Athletic Bilbao94231310314
7Mallorca942398114
8Rayo Vallecano9342119213
9Celta Vigo94141615113
10Real BetisBetis933388012
11GironaGirona93331112-112
12Sevilla9333910-112
13AlavesAlaves93151115-410
14Espanyol9315913-410
15Real Sociedad923478-19
16Getafe915367-18
17Leganes915359-48
18Valencia9135513-86
19Real ValladolidValladolid9126519-145
20Las PalmasLas Palmas9036917-83


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