First training session after international friendlies

Guardiola has almost all of his players back from international duty. Messi, given free time until Monday, Abidal and Thiago, both injured, were the main absences in today’s training session. Alexis will join the team tomorrow.

Pep Guardiola has started the process of preparing his team for the upcoming League clash with Sporting this Saturday at the Camp Nou. After two days off, most of the players that were with their respective national sides trained today at the Ciutat Esportiva. In total, 14 first-team players, Valdés, Pinto, Keita, Pedro, Alves, Mascherano, Piqué, Puyol, Busquets, Cesc, Cuenca, Xavi, Iniesta and Adriano, trained together as a group. The Barça B players Tello and Muniesa were also present.

Thiago and Abidal, both injured this week with their national teams, didn’t train with the group. Leo Messi, suspended for the Sporting match, was also absent and has off until Monday.

Alexis, who played with Chile this morning, will join the team for tomorrow’s training session. (via FCBarcelona.com)