As Barcelona continue preparations for their first game of 2024 against Las Palmas on Thursday night, they might have received a fitness boost.
The Catalans have been hit with injuries to some players within the squad, with the likes of Pedri, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marcos Alonso, Gavi, and Inigo Martinez all being on the treatment tables heading into the new year.
Inigo Martinez closing in on a return?
But, Barcelona could be set to welcome one of the injured stars back into the fold, potentially in time to face Las Palmas on Thursday.
Indeed, Gerard Romero is reporting that Inigo Martinez is back in group training today and did a part of the session with the rest of the Barça squad.
The Spanish defender has been sidelined for close to a month now after picking up a muscle injury during the warm-up heading into the match against Atletico Madrid.
Martinez had been in very good nick before that, with the former Athletic Club ace making a big difference in the Blaugrana defence.
In fact, there were occasions when manager Xavi Hernandez preferred the veteran star ahead of someone like Andreas Christensen or Jules Kounde.
As such, his untimely injury came as a blow for the reigning La Liga champions. But his return to group training today, even if it was for part of the session, bodes well for Barça.
The hope within the camp was to recover Martinez, and even possibly Pedri, in time for the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
But with him being back in group training today, there may be a possibility that he returns to action against Las Palmas or the Copa del Rey clash against UD Barbastro.
