Barcelona have been working on trimming Hansi Flick's first-team squad in recent days, identifying players who are candidates to leave this summer.
One of them was Roony Bardghji . The Swedish winger was expected to leave on loan or on a permanent transfer in search of game time.
However, in a cruel turn of events, the youngster suffered a serious knee injury in training yesterday and is set to be out for the foreseeable future.
Now, according to journalist Nil Sola on Carrusel Deportivo , Barça have told Hector Fort and Marc Casado to train individually in the aftermath of the Bardghji injury.
Both Spaniards are expected to leave the club this summer and have been asked to find new teams for themselves ahead of the new season.
Fort and Casado worked individually on Tuesday rather than alongside the main squad.
On his way out. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
The decision is said to be a precaution designed to avoid unnecessary risks or setbacks while both players' futures remain unresolved during the final weeks of the transfer window.
Despite being part of Flick's team for the pre-season games so far, it feels like they have not done enough to convince the German manager.
At this stage of their careers, it is not wise for either player to stay at the club without a clear route to first-team minutes.
There is no doubt that Fort is an immensely talented footballer who could have found a place in the Barça first team had he emerged at some other time.
However, the presence of Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia as genuine right-back options, along with a prodigious talent like Xavi Espart waiting in the wings, all but kills his chances.
Fort looked good whenever he played for Barcelona and did not do a bad job during pre-season either.
Casado (L) not in Flick's plans. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
However, at a club like Barça, being decent and looking good is not quite enough to cut it at the highest level.
Casado had an incredible first season under Hansi Flick, but his second in the first team was troubled, to say the least.
He is still very talented, but with the midfield depth at Barça what it is, and with Rodri on his way , selling Casado makes sense.
The Spaniard could benefit from a new environment where he has guaranteed minutes, and that could help him develop in his career.
The next few weeks are crucial for both Fort and Casado to find a new club, and it remains to be seen whether they continue to train individually until a move pans out.
