"Barcelona were back in training on Thursday morning but without Gerard Martin for the session at the Ciutat Esportiva. The defender was absent due to illness, according to multiple reports, but it is hoped that he will be back tomorrow and available to face Osasuna on Saturday. Martin is rapidly becoming an important player for Hansi Flick. He's been partnered with Pau Cubarsi in central defence in recent games and may well be set to continue in that position rather than at left-back."
""Gerard gives us more opportunities to play the ball out from the back," said Flick when quizzed about his decision to shift Martin into the heart of his backline. Barcelona have just two La Liga games left in the calendar year and will be hoping to finish 2025 on top of the pile in Spain. The Catalans have a four-point lead over Real Madrid ahead of the weekend's round of fixtures and then wrap up their year next weekend against Villarreal."
Gerard Martin missed Barcelona training on Thursday because of illness and is expected to be available to face Osasuna on Saturday. Martin has become increasingly important under Hansi Flick and has been partnered with Pau Cubarsi in central defence in recent matches. Flick has moved Martin into the heart of the backline to enhance Barcelona's ability to play the ball out from the back. Martin may continue at centre-back rather than left-back, providing tactical flexibility. Barcelona have two La Liga fixtures left this calendar year and hold a four-point lead over Real Madrid before upcoming matches.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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