Barcelona UK camp: Why have the Spanish champions come to the Midlands for pre-season?

The 30-man squad flew to Birmingham on Monday before an evening training session in the Midlands, with Fermin Lopez continuing his recovery from injury.

The midfielder was ruled out of Spain’s World Cup success after breaking his leg against Real Betis in May.

Flick’s squad is joined by Barcelona B and other Under-19 players including forward Orian Goren who just turned 17 in March.

Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong traveled despite a knee injury that was expected to keep him out for months.

The 29-year-old star injured the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during the World Cup.

Another surprise inclusion is Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is expected to move to Ajax on loan. No deal has been reached as the German goalkeeper has traveled to England and could face Birmingham in Friday’s game.

Barca had a double session on Tuesday with England training on a pitch reserved for the senior team.

After traveling to St Andrew’s, Barca take on Preston behind closed doors at St George’s Park next Monday.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side opened their pre-season earlier in the month with a 4–1 win over Northern Premier League Premier Division side Bamber Bridge.

Barca also travel to Italy on August 8 for two 45-minute matches against Nottingham Forest and Udinese in the Friuli Venezia Giulia tournament.

Barcelona Squad: Ter Stegen, Forte, Balde, Araujo, Cortes, Guil Fernandez, Tony Fernandez, Farinas, Abdelkarim, Tommy,