Barcelona end England camp with Araujo, Raphinha and Fermín return (full highlights)

On August 2, 2026, Barcelona held a final training match at St. George's Park to conclude their pre-season camp in England, replacing the cancelled friendly against Preston North End. The match against Preston was called off after the Championship side informed Barcelona they did not have enough first-team players available due to injuries suffered in a friendly against Stockport County and an upcoming Carabao Cup fixture against Huddersfield Town. Preston offered to field their U21 team, but Barcelona declined and instead organized an in-house match on Pitch 6, named after England legend Sir Bobby Charlton. The game was played in three 20-minute periods and ended in a 1-1 draw. The most significant news was the return of Ronald Araujo, Raphinha and Fermín López, who all participated without any issues. Araujo and Raphinha are now expected to be available for the triangular tournament in Udine on August 8, while Fermín, who scored in the match, could make his return earlier than planned. The goals were scored by Xavi Espart and Fermín López. According to SPORT, Alejandro Balde, who began pre-season with back discomfort, continued his individual recovery programme and was not yet ready to play. Frenkie de Jong, recovering from a knee injury, completed individual treatment before watching the match from the touchline. Barcelona returned to Barcelona later that evening. Next up, the team will face Nottingham Forest and Udinese on August 8. Can Barcelona carry their momentum into the new season?

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