July 06 (THEWILL) – Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is still recovering from the injury he suffered at the end of last season, even at the start of pre-season.
An abductor injury has forced the experienced centre-back to miss Barcelona’s final four La Liga matches of the 2021/22 season. However, he returned to their training base in Catalonia ahead of schedule to improve his fitness for next season.
Pique has yet to join his team-mates for group pre-season training as he is still not fully fit despite the tireless efforts of Barca’s medical staff and even after spending most of his time in the gym and on the treatment table. The Spaniard’s long-term status at the club is still up in the air, but Barcelona’s coaches expect him to rejoin the team next week.
The 35-year-old has held detailed discussions about his position in the team with manager Xavi Hernandez, with the Blaugrana still looking for another centre-back. Pique has persisted in his belief that he has the skills needed to compete at the highest level, even telling club president Joan Laporta that he will sit on any new defender they decide to bring in.
However, Barça have brought in Andres Christensen as cover for him, partly because of his recurring injury problems, especially with Clement Lenglet expected to go on loan to Tottenham.
