What remains of the Barcelona squad attended a training session today at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Jordi Alba's presence was the big news of the day. Although he did not rejoin the rest of the squad, the 24-year-old Spanish left back returned to the training ground for the first time since 10th October, when he suffered a muscle injury in his left leg, according to reports on Barcelona's website.

Alba pulled his hamstring in September and has not played an official game for two months. Gerard Piqué was another player who worked separately from the rest of the squad, whilst Cesc Fàbregas managed to complete a warm-up with his teammates. Meanwhile, Xavi Hernández was given a specific exercise regime and the training session included four players from the Under-18s: Adama, Godswill, Pedro Godoy and Sergi Palencia.