FC Barcelona is facing a worrying trend this season as several first-team players have suffered injuries in quick succession, raising serious questions about the club’s physical preparation methods. Under new coach Hansi Flick, the squad has seen a sharp decline in physical performance compared to previous campaigns, with 13 players already sidelined due to various physical setbacks in the opening three months of the season.

The alarming rise in fitness concerns has reportedly led to a shift in player behavior, as some Blaugrana stars are now seeking assistance outside the club’s medical and training setup to maintain peak condition and reduce injury risks.

Players Seeking Personal Trainers and External Support

According to a report from Javi Miguel of AS, unease has been growing in the Barcelona dressing room over the club’s current fitness regime. A number of senior players believe that strength training and physical conditioning at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper — Barça’s state-of-the-art training facility — is not being adequately prioritized.

As a result, several players have started to supplement their workouts with personal fitness coaches and specialized trainers outside of the club. Some have even been relying on these external experts for months, seeking both physical and mental support to stay match-ready.

One of the most notable examples is Ferran Torres. The forward has previously worked with mental health specialists to overcome anxiety and later turned to a personal trainer to improve his fitness, recover form, and minimize injury risks. Likewise, rising star Lamine Yamal has undergone independent medical examinations to better understand and manage his ongoing pubic discomfort.

Barcelona’s Fitness Department Under Scrutiny

Despite increasing external dependency from players, Barcelona still maintains strong internal confidence in their fitness department, led by Julio Tous — regarded globally as one of the top strength and conditioning specialists in football.

The club acknowledges that the current situation is far from ideal and has already begun efforts to reinforce gym-based strength training within official sessions. Plans are in motion to allocate additional resources and time to physical conditioning in order to rebuild player fitness levels and reduce the injury toll as the season progresses.

Club Committed to Turning Things Around

Barcelona insists that the recent wave of injuries is reversible and that improved communication and adapted training methods can bring the squad back to full strength. While players are increasingly turning to private trainers for individualized support, trust still remains in the medical and fitness teams at the club to resolve the internal issues.

With a long season ahead — including battles in La Liga, the Champions League, and domestic cups — restoring fitness and confidence within the squad will be crucial for Barcelona’s pursuit of silverware.