Flick sends eight Barça players off until November 16 as Olmo and Koundé target Villarreal
Hansi Flick has given the eight Barça players who stayed home during the international break five days off. The rest comes before a crowded run across several competitions that starts against Villarreal on November 22.
The eight players trained at the Ciutat Esportiva on Tuesday morning. The whole squad has Wednesday off. Thursday at the training ground is only for injured players doing rehab or anyone who wants to come in voluntarily.
The week began on Monday, November 9, when every available first-team player trained. Barça Atlètic goalkeeper Max Bonfill also took part.
Flick has used this approach before. During the previous international break, the players who stayed home had a week off. They returned to training on Monday, October 5, ahead of the Getafe game.
Olmo and Koundé work toward a Villarreal return
The facilities stay open for voluntary work while the injured players keep up their treatment. Koundé is still out with an ankle sprain. Olmo is recovering well from a muscle injury. Rodri and Xavi Espart need more time, according to FútbolFantasy. Roony Bardghji faces a long recovery.
Barça’s medical and coaching staff want Olmo medically cleared for Villarreal. He missed the matches against Real Madrid, Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid. His return would give Flick another option in a stretch that will test the depth of the squad.
Many of the regulars are away. Spain named Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsí, Fermín López, Pedri and Lamine Yamal for Nations League games against Czechia and England. João Cancelo is with Portugal and Frenkie de Jong with the Netherlands. Anthony Gordon is with England and Raphinha with Brazil. Marc Bernal is in the Spain U21 squad.
Barça resume as LaLiga leaders with Villarreal, then Sabah
The break came after a 2-1 win at Atlético Madrid on Sunday, November 8, on LaLiga Matchday 12. Giuliano Simeone scored first. Fermín López replied in the 45th and 66th minutes. It was Barça’s fourth comeback victory of the 2026/27 season and Flick’s 23rd as coach.
That result sends Barça into the break three points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid. Atlético sit five points behind. The rested group should return fresh for a demanding run that will decide whether that cushion holds.
At Spotify Camp Nou, the LaLiga Matchday 13 meeting with Villarreal is set for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff, Spanish time.
