Barcelona's behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly with Preston North End at St George's Park was called off just one day before it was due to be played.
Hansi Flick's side are currently in the United Kingdom preparing for the new season. They faced Birmingham City last week, losing on penalties. The fixture was expected to offer another intense runout for Karim Adeyemi and company, while much of the squad has yet to return following the World Cup.
Under-21 proposal turned down
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Preston were unwilling to risk more senior players and instead proposed a match with their under-21 squad, unable to fill places for a full senior side. Barcelona declined the suggestion and decided to hold a normal training session in its place.
Preston face Huddersfield Town in the League Cup in the coming days and did not want to risk further injuries. Barcelona will now return to Spain earlier than planned to continue their preparations.
Next friendlies
Two further pre-season matches are lined up against Udinese and Nottingham Forest next weekend. Flick's side will travel to Italy for a three-team tournament, with three 45-minute matches taking place at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine.
Barcelona will then face Egyptian side Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy at Camp Nou, serving as their final preparation before the campaign begins.
Whiteman speculation
Preston, meanwhile, took on Stockport County over the weekend before their season kicks off. Off the pitch, the Lancashire club have been left dealing with alleged attempts by Wrexham to secure captain Ben Whiteman, with a transfer worth around £2million suggested.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire: "Ben told me, told Peter (Ridsdale, CEO) he's played his last game for the club. He's trying to force a move, which is an issue for me, for the players."
"We've been in regular conversations in the last few days, and Ben knew there was a line I didn't want him to cross," Heckingbottom added. "Unfortunately, he has, and you can't have that."
"My priority now is the players that are here and the players who want to play for us, and represent the club... Listen, there's a valuation on him. I just hope for Ben's sake that Wrexham are willing to pay it, otherwise he's put himself in a really sticky situation."
League Cup underway
The League Cup has already begun, with Rochdale knocking out Tranmere on penalties in a preliminary round. York welcome Crawley Town in the only other preliminary match on Monday.
