Fresh Blow for Hansi Flick as Barcelona Duo Miss Training Ahead of Atlético Madrid Clash

Barcelona continued their preparations for Tuesday’s decisive UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium, with the Catalan side needing to win by more than two goals to overturn their first-leg defeat and reach the semi-finals.

The team held a recovery and training session on Sunday following their 4–1 La Liga victory over Espanyol, with Frenkie de Jong taking part fully—an encouraging sign of his readiness for the upcoming clash.

However, head coach Hansi Flick has been dealt another setback. Contrary to his earlier statements, Gerard Martín did not participate in training after sustaining an injury to his right ankle during the Espanyol match, where he was substituted at half-time.

Flick had previously downplayed the issue, stating that “it’s not too bad, and I think he will be able to play on Tuesday.” However, according to Mundo Deportivo, his availability is now uncertain, with Monday’s training session set to determine whether he can feature against Atlético Madrid.

Another absentee was Marc Bernal, who had been expected to recover in time for the match. The midfielder is still dealing with a left ankle sprain and has now been ruled out until after Tuesday’s fixture.

Following the session, Flick and members of his coaching staff—along with Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Alejandro Balde, and Ronald Araújo—attended the Johan Cruyff Stadium to watch Barcelona Atlètic secure a 3–1 victory over Espanyol in Spain’s Segunda División.