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The Joan Gamper Trophy is traditionally Barcelona’s curtain-raiser of the season and usually takes place at the Spotify Camp Nou. It is the night when the squad is officially announced to the fans ahead of the La Liga season.
This year, the Catalans face Tottenham Hotspur in the Gamper match, but it will be played in Montjuic owing to the renovation of the home stadium. The game is slated to kick off in under 48 hours.
According to reports from Sergi de Juan, Xavi does not intend to risk players who noticed any form of physical discomfort during the USA tour on the night.
As a result, despite training normally yesterday, Ilkay Gundogan and Andreas Christensen may not play a part tomorrow.
Unfortunate blows in pre-season
Barcelona’s pre-season Clasico ended in a stunning 3-0 win for Xavi’s men as they routed Real Madrid on the night. However, the game brought its fair share of complications for the Blaugranas.
Christensen was forced off the pitch less than 30 minutes into the game while Gundogan followed suit in the 42nd minute.
It was later revealed that neither player suffered an injury. Both the defender and the midfielder were substituted owing to discomfort, but it is clear that Barcelona will not risk any relapse for a friendly fixture.
Crucial players for Xavi Hernandez
Gundogan arrived in Catalonia earlier this summer and is the club’s marquee signing of the window.
The treble-winning captain is expected to be a regular starter under the Spanish tactician this term and was signed for his ability to find key passes that can help the Blaugranas unlock tight defences.
Christensen, meanwhile, will continue to be the heart of Barcelona’s central defence for the second consecutive season and is critical for Xavi’s plans.
With both players training regularly, they can be expected to feature in Barcelona’s league opener against Getafe at the weekend.
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