FC Barcelona have suffered a lot from injuries and physical issues to some of their most important players this season. Key players like Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, and Ter Stegen have all missed several games this season, while Pedri, Gavi, and Ter Stegen are still unavailable.
Another player who is currently unavailable for Xavi is the defender Inigo Martiez, who had the femoral biceps of his right thigh injured in the warm-up for the game against Atletico Madrid. The defender was then unable to play in that game, as well as missing all the games following that match.
However, there is good news for Xavi and Barcelona fans in this regard, as Mundo Deportivo reports that Martinez has completed a part of the training with the first team on Tuesday. Thus, he can be a part of the squad for the match against Las Palmas, which is scheduled for the coming Thursday, 4th January.
Martinez was not the only new face in this training session, as several youngsters from the youth academy were also present. These included Ander Astralaga, Pau Prim, Albert Navarro, Pau Cubarsi, Hector Fort, and Diego Kochen.
Still, Martinez is undoubtedly the most notable of these players. He has been one of the most impactful of the players that arrived at Barcelona in the last summer transfer window, and has shown his skills and leadership abilities in the eight league and two Champions League appearances this season.
The lack of physical fitness remains a weakness for the defender, however. He arrived at Barcelona without full fitness, and needed several weeks before he could make an appearance in the blue and garnet colours in an official match.
After an impressive patch, he then suffered this injury before the Atletico Madrid match, but as he nears full recovery now, Barcelona will be hoping he can maintain his fitness for the rest of the season.
