New training day of FC Barcelona to prepare for the match against UD Levante, scheduled for August 23 at the Ciutat de València Stadium, corresponding to matchday two of LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26. A session marked by an unexpected absence at the Joan Gamper Sports City.
Under the direction of Hansi Flick, Frenkie de Jong was not present. The reason? Fortunately, it is not due to a physical setback, but to a personal matter: the Dutchman reportedly attended a hospital to accompany his wife, Mikky Kiemeney, who will give birth to their second child.
- 📌 THE FACT: Frenkie and Mikky became parents for the first time on November 21, 2023, when they welcomed their son Miles.
Lewandowski continues to get in shape to return to action
Beyond this absence, the practice included most of the first-team members in this first session of the week. Among them was Robert Lewandowski, who, after progressing in the recovery of his injury to the biceps femoris of his left leg, participated in a large part of the training, although he reserved himself in the final stretches.
Also, several young players from the reserve team continue to be integrated, with increasing prominence, such as Pedro Fernández 'Dro', Jofre Torrents, Guille Fernández and Toni Fernández, who have earned the trust of the German coach.
An unprecedented motto on the 'azulgrana' kit: RD Congo - Coeur de Afrique
In turn, the session also left an extra-sports novelty. For the first time, the players wore the motto "RD Congo - Coeur de Afrique" on the back of their training shirts. This is the result of an association between the 'culé' entity and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, an agreement that will extend, at least, until the 2028/29 season.
With this, Barcelona promotes cultural and institutional ties. It also reinforces its commitment to sports innovation on the African continent.