Rodri completes first full Barcelona training and nears LaLiga debut on August 27, 2026

Rodri completed his first full training session with Barcelona and is closer to making his LaLiga debut against Athletic Club on August 27, 2026. The midfielder, signed from Manchester City in one of the summer’s biggest deals, holds the Ballon d’Or.

Spanish outlet Sport reported that Rodri finished his first full practice with the Blaugrana after arriving in Barcelona a week ago from Manchester City. He was formally presented to the squad last Tuesday and had his initial on-field involvement during the Joan Gamper Cup match. Until Monday he had been training alone following a late arrival to the group, and his integration was delayed by World Cup participation and a minor back operation.

Sport said Rodri worked with the group that completed the more intensive session while players who logged higher minutes against Elche followed their usual recovery routine. A social post accompanying the coverage read "Keep working, Rodri 💪." The first full-group session represents a step towards his return to match action after weeklong individual work.

The club has run a tailored rehabilitation programme as he regains fitness following his vacation. "No, he is not injured," the reporting added, noting he had been following an individual training program after a minor back surgery and post‑World Cup recovery. That programme culminated in his recent participation in full squad drills.

Rodri was not included in the matchday squad for Barcelona’s first game against Elche, despite being the team’s first player registered with the Liga association. On the training pitch there was another development: left-back Alejandro Balde, who had been unexpectedly omitted from the Elche matchday squad, resumed regular training with the first team. The report also notes Balde has been linked to an exit from the Camp Nou.

He is expected to make his debut in the LaLiga clash against Athletic Club on Thursday, August 27, 2026. In India the match will kick off at 12:30 AM IST on August 28.