The mysterious absence of Riqui Puig for Joan Gamper Trophy
Riqui has not been included in the 23-man squad for the Elche game
The absence of Riqui Puig from the Barcelona squad for Saturday's Joan Gamper Trophy match against Elche has provoked uncertainty as the club have not revealed why he's not been called up. There's no medical report and there wouldn't appear to be tactical reasons for his omission.
Riqui Puig's absence is mysterious because he's been involved in every friendly in the preseason to date and has done well. However, his absence also coincides with Miralem Pjanic's first involvement in a matchday squad. An excess of central midfielders (De Jong, Aleña and Busquets are also involved) could be the cause for Riqui Puig being dropped.
We will have to see why the coach Ronald Koeman says Riqui Puig is not involved. Remember he still doesn't have a first-team number.
Meanwhile, Ansu Fati returns to the squad following a hip problem and could be handed his first minutes of the preseason.
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