Hansi Flick calls up two versatile youngsters to Barcelona first-team training | OneFootball

FC Barcelona returned to training today with a reduced squad due to the large number of international players still away with their national teams.

The Blaugrana are all set to take on Osasuna in their rescheduled La Liga fixture on Thursday, March 27, and preparations for the same got underway today.

Although the three Barça players from Spain’s Under-21 team – Fermin Lopez, Pablo Torre, and Gerard Martin – were released by the RFEF and joined training today, manager Hansi Flick has still had to turn to the reserves to make up numbers.

Alexis Olmedo, Ruben Lopez called up

As such, Flick chose to call up two versatile youngsters, Alexis Olmedo and Ruben Lopez, to train with the Barcelona first-team players today, reports SPORT.

Neither Olmedo nor Lopez is a regular in first-team sessions, so their call-up today was a pleasant surprise.

Primarily a right-sided centre-back, Olmedo has also filled in at right-back when needed. The 19-year-old is known for his speed, excellent tackling, and composure when playing out from the back. His aerial ability is another asset.

Alexis Olmedo (R) trained with the first team today. (Photo by TOM GOYVAERTS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

The La Masia graduate has been on Flick’s radar since he joined the first team for pre-season last summer.

Having recently overcome a muscle injury that kept him sidelined for two months, Olmedo returned to action for Barça Atletic earlier this month and trained with the senior team today.

Lopez, a central midfielder, who has filled in at left-back recently for Barça Atletic, has only been with the Blaugrana since last summer. He has also operated as a defensive midfielder and even as a right winger.

Flick has had less contact with Lopez, although this is not the first time the 20-year-old has trained with the first team. He was also called up during the October international break when he first caught the German coach’s eye.

With Barcelona still missing several first-team regulars due to international duty, the inclusion of Olmedo and Lopez provides Flick with two flexible options who can cover multiple roles. Both players will look to seize this opportunity to impress the first-team coaching staff.