Barcelona have been handed a major fitness boost approaching the business end of the campaign, with Marc Casado back in team training after a spell on the sidelines with a knee problem.
The Spain international suffered a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee during a La Liga clash with Atletico Madrid before the March international break.
At the time, it was revealed that the midfielder would be on the sidelines for the next two months, but there had been suggestions that he may miss the remainder of the campaign due to the severity of the issue.
Casado has handed Barcelona a major fitness boost, though, with the 21-year-old able to train alongside his teammates on Friday.
The Spaniard will not be available for this weekend's La Liga clash against Real Valladolid, and he is also unlikely to be involved against Inter Milan in the second leg of the team's Champions League semi-final next week.
However, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Casado is very much on course to be back on the field before the end of the season.
© Imago
Casado returns to first-team training for Barcelona
Casado has been a key player for Barcelona during the 2024-25 campaign, making 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and registering six assists in the process.
The Catalan giants will play at least another six matches before their season ends, including the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Inter.
Hansi Flick's team have five league matches before the end of the campaign, preparing to tackle Real Valladolid, Real Madrid, Espanyol, Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao.
Barcelona will also hope to be in the Champions League final at the end of May, and with Casado potentially back against Espanyol on May 15, there is every chance that he will be involved in the showpiece event if the Catalan side make it.
Matt Law
