FCBARCELONA.CAT

27.11.2009 12:29

Ibrahimovic and Messi train with squad

Marc Guillén / Vanessa Forns

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi both trained with the FC Barcelona first-team on Friday ahead of the visit of Real Madrid this weekend after the pair had spent the last few days working on individual recovery schedules.

Pep Guardiola took his second training session focussing solely on el derbi on Sunday since the game against Inter and was boosted by the return of the Swedish striker and Argentinian forward to the squad.

While Ibrahimovic and Messi returned to training there was no indication being given as to whether they would be given the green light to play against Madrid. While Ibrahimovic suffered a hamstring strain in his left leg, Messi had a thigh strain.

The players’ respective injuries prevented them both from starting in the match against Inter in midweek and Guardiola chose to keep both of them on the bench throughout the Champions League victory.

Alves and Touré

Dani Alves was also back in training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper having missed the Thursday session with an ankle injury that he sustained against Inter. The Brazilian worked without any problems alongside Yay Touré, who has recovered from the H1N1 virus.

No youngsters

With Barça Atlètic playing on Saturday, Guardiola chose not to call up any members of Luis Enrique’s squad to train with the first-team.