Great news for FC Barcelona. In a final stretch of the season marked by injuries, the 'Azulgrana' team could soon recover a valuable asset for the midfield: Marc Casadó. The midfielder from Sant Pere de Vilamajor actively and at a good pace participated in the last 'Culé' training session at the Joan Gamper Sports City, with a view to the commitment against Real Valladolid.
As is usual in these cases, the midfielder was subjected to the classic 'gauntlet of taps', a tradition among the Barça players before a medical discharge is official, which suggests that his return is very close.
However, the German coach did not want to rush things and assured that it would be "risky" to force his return before being completely ready. "We have had Casadó back in the rondo, but he continues working and training in his recovery," commented Hansi Flick in the press conference prior to the match against Valladolid.
Marc Casadó and a physical setback that threatened to leave him 'KO' for the rest of the season
Marc was injured on March 16th during the match against Atlético de Madrid (2-4) at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Subsequent medical tests revealed a partial tear of the external ligament of the right knee, which forced him to stop and enter the list of injured players of Barcelona. At that time, the forecasts indicated a absence of approximately two months, which made us think that he would miss the rest of the season or would arrive very close to the end.
However, the evolution of the midfielder has been very positive, and he could achieve his medical discharge in record time. In turn, his return would coincide with a key moment, just when Barça faces an intense and demanding end of the season, both physically and competitively.
- 🩹 MATCHES THAT MARC CASADÓ HAS MISSED DUE TO INJURY (TEMP. 2024/25):16.
A "positive problem" for Hansi Flick
The possible return of the '17' could generate a nice tactical dilemma for Hansi Flick. If he returns in good physical shape, he would enter the rotation in the double pivot alongside Frenkie de Jong or even dispute minutes, with Pedri González being the only fixed player in that area of the field.
- 📊 MARC CASADÓ'S NUMBERS IN THE 2024-25 SEASON WITH BARÇA: 36 matches played, one goal and six assists.
Likewise, his return comes at a time when it will be key to dose efforts and keep the squad fresh. Casadó is a player who brings intensity, defensive solidity and versatility, so his return would be a great reinforcement to face the last commitments of the season.