Barcelona Faces Preston in Third Closed-Door Friendly

Spanish giants Barcelona will play their third match in preparation for the 2026-2027 season tomorrow, Monday, when they meet English side Preston North End in a behind-closed-doors encounter.

The match is part of the Catalan team's training camp in England, specifically at St. George's Park in Birmingham, where Barcelona is staying for a week in preparation for the season's kickoff.

Barcelona began their preparations with a 4-1 victory over Europa, before drawing 2-2 with Birmingham City, and then losing 3-2 on penalties.

German coach Hansi Flick is currently concentrating on improving the physical readiness of his players, while also giving opportunities to those who have participated less, alongside several academy players, to assess their levels before the start of the season.

Hamza Abdel Karim, the young Egyptian forward, is set to receive another chance to participate, having caught the eye with his two goals against Birmingham City.

Barcelona will be without several of their international players who participated in the World Cup, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Eric Garcia, and Pau Cubarsi. Additionally, Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong is sidelined with an injury that will keep him out for several months.

Gavi has not yet regained his fitness to participate due to his ongoing holiday. Meanwhile, Mark Bernal is expected to take on an important role in midfield in the upcoming period.

Following their match against Preston, Barcelona will continue their preparation program with a clash against Nottingham Forest on August 8, before participating in a triangular tournament against Udinese, and then facing Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy. The main objective is to reach the best possible condition ahead of their La Liga opener against Elche on August 23.