Barcelona starlet to resume training on Saturday; could return for Celta Vigo clash

Barcelona starlet to resume training on Saturday; could return for Celta Vigo clash

FC Barcelona were left devastated last night as they failed to mount a comeback against Atletico Madrid, getting eliminated from the UEFA Champions League.

Despite winning 2-1 on the night, their 0-2 defeat from the first leg of the quarter-final tie meant that they were sent packing from the competition on aggregate score.

With the European campaign over, the focus fully shifts to La Liga, where Barça have a healthy nine-point lead over Real Madrid with seven matches left to be played.

Marc Bernal expected to be back in training on Saturday

And, according to SPORT, young midfielder Marc Bernal is expected to resume normal training on Saturday, just in time to face Celta Vigo next week.

Barcelona returned to training today after last night’s setback. The session began in the gym before the available players carried out a light recovery session, with serious faces and a clear sense of disappointment.

The main absence was Bernal, who was named in the squad for the Atletico Madrid clash but was not medically cleared in time for the game.

Set to return to training this week. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The La Masia midfielder, who was due to rejoin the group this week, continues to train individually as a precaution. The medical staff believe it is still too early to push his return and prefer not to take risks with his injury.

However, the expectation is that he will train normally with the group on Saturday, with a view to the next league match against Celta Vigo on 22 April.

Break from training until Saturday

As per the report, the Barcelona coaching staff have decided to give the squad two and a half days off, taking advantage of the absence of a league fixture this weekend so the players can recover both physically and mentally after the European setback.

Inside the dressing room, there is a feeling that the team competed at a high level throughout the tie, which ultimately slipped away due to fine margins and refereeing decisions that, according to club sources, left much to be desired.

With the Champions League now behind them, Barça are fully focused on La Liga and will look to maintain their positive momentum and secure the title as soon as possible.