Although the defense was one of the main strengths of FC Barcelona in the preceding season, the club has further bolstered its backline with the signing of Inigo Martinez this summer. However, the player has come with some physical issues and is not 100% fit as yet.
According to SPORT, before starting with the training sessions that Xavi is conducting in the pre-season underway at Ciutat Esportiva, the player is still continuing with his specific fitness plan and is training apart from the group. However, he will remain with the squad, before he embarks with the team on the tour of the United States.
Martinez was unable to feature in the last matches for Athletic Club last season as he suffered from a foot fascia injury. To treat this issue, the player has already undergone a small surgery to help relax his foot and take some load off of his calf. The surgery went well, and the player is now working in the gym and doing some solo exercises with the club’s trainers.
While the player seems to be nearing a full recovery, Xavi Hernandez, in collaboration with the medical staff, has decided not to rush the center-back into action and would incorporate him only gradually into the squad. The gaffer plans not to play him in the USA, but Martinez would be a part of the group traveling to the United States.
Martinez’s first minutes in a Barcelona jersey can thus come in the Joan Gamper trophy game, which is scheduled to take place on 8th August, a week before the league starts. This break will allow the Spaniard to get into a good rhythm before the competitive games start, and help the club with important appearances throughout a hectic season.
