Barcelona midfield duo not training with group ahead of Villarreal encounter

Barcelona will lock horns with Villarreal away at El Madrigal tomorrow, aiming to extend their winning streak in La Liga to six games.

Having suffered their first defeat of the season against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week, the Catalans will be eager to bounce back strongly.

Casado, Pedri train inside

Leading up to the game, journalist Victor Navarro reports that Barcelona’s key midfield duo of Marc Casado and Pedri are not training with the rest of the team today.

Instead, the midfield pair are working inside the gym facilities at the Ciutat Esportiva.

However, the journalist makes it clear that neither player is dealing with any major issue at this point and will be available tomorrow to face Villarreal.

Casado and Pedri training inside is manager Hansi Flick’s decision, with the manager said to be taking extra care of the midfield duo.

It must be noted that Casado did suffer a knock during the game against Monaco earlier this week, while Pedri’s past fitness problems are no secret.

Considering that they are the only genuine midfield options at Flick’s disposal currently, it makes sense for the manager to pamper them and exercise caution with their fitness.

Meanwhile, the update adds that long-term absentees Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are working their way back to full fitness and are doing sessions on the sidelines.

Barcelona have not lost on their previous 16 visits to Villarreal and will be aiming to extend that run tomorrow.