FC Barcelona began preparations on Tuesday for the final stretch of the year, where Hansi Flick's team will play a total of 9 matches in four weeks. After two days of rest, the players who did not travel with their national teams for the November break trained at the Ciutat Esportiva, with Raphinha as the main novelty.

The Brazilian, out since September 25 with a right thigh injury, trained with the group and, along with Joan García, hopes to be available for Saturday's match against Athletic, the first at the Spotify Camp Nou. The goalkeeper has recovered from his left meniscus surgery and could return to the starting XI for LaLiga matchday 13

Lamine Yamal worked separately on Tuesday

Lamine Yamal, on the other hand, worked on the pitch, but separately from his teammates as part of the recovery process from the treatment he underwent last week. The player from Mataró underwent radiofrequency treatment to alleviate the pain from the osteitis pubis he has been suffering from for a couple of months, which led to him being withdrawn from the Spanish squad for the matches against Georgia and Turkey.

In principle, the '10' was supposed to rest for 7 to 10 days after undergoing conservative treatment, which means he will have no problem playing against Athletic. Lamine has scored in three consecutive games and hopes to remain in the starting XI, once again alongside Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski. Raphinha should get some minutes in the second half.

Marc Casadó, a last-minute absentee against Celta, will also return to the team after suffering hamstring discomfort. The midfielder will take the place of the suspended Frenkie de Jong, who was sent off near the end at Balaídos for a second yellow card

Pedri aims to return against Chelsea

On the contrary, Pedri González is ruled out for the match against Athletic. The midfielder suffered a tear in his right femoral biceps and, although his recovery has been good, the coaching staff will not risk calling him up for the Athletic match.

For now, the '8' aims to be available against Chelsea, next Tuesday the 25th for matchday 5 of the Champions League. The Canary player was expected to be out for around a month, but he could finally reappear a week earlier than expected.

Gavi and Ter Stegen, on the other hand, continue to perform exercises as part of their post-operative process. The goalkeeper expects to be medically cleared in early December, while the Andalusian has at least two months to wait before returning to ball work.