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Full attention can return to Barcelona and what promises to be a busy week for the La Liga champions after the World Cup is over and champions crowned.
Spain have celebrated their triumph in Madrid, Argentina have had time to recover from the heartbreak, and now the focus shifts to the transfer window, where Barcelona are expected to be one of the clubs making the biggest headlines.
Also, the pre-season campaign is back counting down the days for Barcelona to be back in action.
Pre-season intensifies
Barcelona's pre-season has entered its second week, with Hansi Flick set to increase the intensity of training while gradually welcoming back his World Cup stars. Ronald Araújo is the first to return, while Raphinha, Hamza Abdelkarim and João Cancelo are expected to rejoin the squad later next week after their extended summer breaks.
The Blaugrana's first pre-season friendly, against CE Europa on 24 July, will offer an early glimpse of both La Masia's brightest prospects and Flick's senior players. From there, the squad will travel to St George's Park for a training camp ahead of a series of friendlies against English opposition.
Injury news
Frenkie de Jong is set to undergo a crucial medical assessment after returning from the World Cup with a knee issue that worsened during the Netherlands' campaign. Barcelona's medical staff are expected to determine the full extent of the injury before deciding on the next course of action.
Araujo and Raphinha both sustained injuries during the World Cup with the extent of these muscular problems to be assessed upon their return and managed through pre-season.
Laporte is the man
There is a gap in Barcelona's defence, and the latest transfer rumours suggest the club may already have the perfect solution. Aymeric Laporte continues to be linked with a move to the Blaugrana, with many supporters dreaming of a partnership between the experienced Spaniard and Pau Cubarsí. The pair showcased their quality together during Spain's World Cup triumph, forming a commanding partnership that kept clean sheets in all but one match.
Relations between the two clubs are not great from the Nico Williams saga, with Athletic already making their stance clear. Get the popcorn, it is going to get interesting.
Ferran Torres talks
The World Cup-winning goalscorer is set for talks with Barcelona in the coming week as the club weighs up whether to offer him a new contract or cash in this summer window. Ferran Torres has been linked with both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, making his future one of the biggest storylines to watch. The upcoming discussions could prove decisive in determining whether he remains in Catalonia or embarks on a new chapter elsewhere.
Today's best reads
- Spain Player Ratings: The Barcelona boys perform for Spain to become World champions
- Ferran Torres is a history maker for Spain as they become World champions
- Barcelona fans won't believe the latest club linked with a Ferran Torres transfer
- Hansi Flick handed his first major headache of the season
- How many Barcelona players will feature in France vs Spain semi-final?
This article was originally published on everythingbarca.com as Injury prognosis, Laporte interest intensifies and more: Everything that could happen at Barcelona this week.
