Gabriel Jesus completes full training session as Barcelona debut edges closer

Gabriel Jesus took part in the full Barcelona training session on Friday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, a major step toward making his debut in the blaugrana shirt. The former Arsenal forward, who had already joined part of Thursday's group work, handled the workload comfortably and left a positive impression on the coaching staff. His first appearance is getting closer, although Hansi Flick has yet to decide whether to include him in the squad for Sunday's match against Valencia at Mestalla.

• Gabriel Jesus completed Friday's full training session with Barcelona.
• The Brazilian has now trained with the group on two consecutive days since arriving from Arsenal.
• Flick has not decided yet whether he will be called up for Valencia; if he travels, it would mainly be for adaptation purposes.
• Gavi also finished the entire session and will be available for Mestalla after recovering from a knock.
• The youngster Iu Martínez, a 17-year-old winger from Juvenil A, trained with the first team again.

When could Gabriel Jesus make his Barcelona debut?

The forward's progress is fuelling optimism inside the Barça dressing room. After completing Friday's session without any issues, the São Paulo native has officially started the countdown to his first game as a Barcelona player. His fitness work is coming along at the expected pace, and there is a growing feeling he could see his first minutes in the coming weeks once Flick believes he has reached the necessary competitive level.

The immediate question is whether he will make the squad for Valencia. Flick still has not made a final call. If he does travel, his role at Mestalla would not be about getting meaningful game time, but rather about soaking up the team's dynamics, getting to know his teammates and accelerating his integration into the dressing room during a competitive away trip.

Gavi leaves his injury behind and is ready for Mestalla

Gavi took a major step forward in his recovery on Friday by completing the full session with the rest of the group. The Andalusian midfielder picked up a knock in the Elche match that ruled him out for the games against Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano, but the discomfort is now behind him. His return to full training without restrictions confirms that he will be in Sunday's squad and that Flick will be able to use him in the Valencian capital.

What is at stake for Barcelona at Mestalla

Barcelona visit Valencia at a pivotal point in the season, with the LaLiga title race wide open and the obligation to pick up three points to stay at the top or within touching distance of the leaders. The fixture at Mestalla, a notoriously demanding ground, will test the squad's ability to react on the road after some recent stumbles. Getting players like Gavi back and the potential gradual introduction of Gabriel Jesus widens Hansi Flick's options ahead of a busy week of fixtures.

Iu Martínez, the Juvenil A prospect training with the first team

The young Iu Martínez joined the senior squad for the second consecutive day on Friday. The 17-year-old winger, who plays for Juvenil A, has become a regular face in Flick's sessions this week. His involvement is part of the club's commitment to giving exposure and experience to the most promising academy talents coming through La Masia's ranks.

Gabriel Jesus starts a new chapter as a Barça attacker

Gabriel Jesus landed in Barcelona as the headline attacking signing of the winter window. After his time at Arsenal, the Brazilian arrives to add movement, high pressing and goals to a forward line that was looking for alternatives and internal competition. His ability to play across various attacking positions fits Neatly with Flick's tactical demands, with the German valuing his versatility to feature centrally, out wide or as a reference point up front.

The club has handled his adaptation carefully, aware that a player of his calibre needs rhythm and confidence. The two complete training sessions he has put together this week are an early signal that the player is pushing hard to settle into the relentless competitive pace as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions about Gabriel Jesus and Barcelona