Barça returns to work with two pieces of good news and a crowd bath at the Johan Cruyff

More than 5,000 fans accompanied the FC Barcelona squad back to work this Monday. The team, managed by Hansi Flick, held an open training session at the Johan Cruyff Stadium starting at 5:30 PM local time, a day that saw the return of Ronald Araujo to the Ciutat Esportiva as the main novelty

The Uruguayan center-back trained with the group, as did Pedri González, who was out with a minor muscle injury in the last game of the year against Villarreal. The midfielder, barring any surprises, will be available next Saturday for the visit to Espanyol (9:00 PM), while Araújo is aiming for the Spanish Super Cup to be included in a squad again

Good news for Hansi Flick ahead of the first match of 2026

In that sense, **Hansi Flick** regains two key players to start 2026. Pedri was only a substitute against **Alavés** (3-1) in LaLiga, where he has so far missed three matchdays due to injury and one due to suspension.Ronald, for his part, has not played in the tournament since the thrashing against **Athletic** (4-0), but he will be important in the German coach's rotation plan after the long-term absence of Andreas Christensen was confirmed

During Monday's training session, Jules Koundé also trained normally. The Frenchman left the match against Villarreal (0-2) with discomfort, although it ultimately turned out to be only muscular fatigue and he should remain in the starting XI for the visit to Cornellà.

Dani Olmo is ruled out against Espanyol. The Terrassa native trained separately and is expected to be medically cleared for the Spanish Super Cup after suffering a shoulder dislocation against Atlético (3-1). Pablo Gavi and Christensen are the only long-term absentees from the squad, although the midfielder hopes to return in mid-February

Total party at the Johan Cruyff for the Barça squad

The return to work after the Christmas break was a real party day for the Barça squad. The players signed autographs and took photographs with hundreds of fans who filled the stands of the Johan Cruyff. Hansi Flick was one of the most cheered by the fans, along with Pedri, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal.

Barça will continue preparations for the first match of 2026 on Tuesday with another physical training session. On Friday the 2nd, they will train at full intensity before visiting Cornellà. After the derby against Espanyol, the club will travel to Arabia to play in the Spanish Super Cup