FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.11.2009 12:16

Touré returns to training

Edgar Fornós / Vanessa Forns

FC Barcelona returned to training on Thursday as preparations for el Clásico began and the squad was buoyed by the presence of Yaya Touré, who was back in action after recovering from the H1N1 virus.

Having beaten Inter on Tuesday coach Pep Guardiola gave his players a well-deserved day off, but they were back and ready to focus on the visit of Real Madrid this weekend.

Touré was given the all clear to return to training after overcoming the H1N1 virus that he was diagnosed with at the end of last week. The Ivory Coast midfielder missed the visit to Athletic Club de Bilbao at the weekend and was also unable to appear against Inter.

Alves, Ibrahimovic and Messi

A total of 18 first-team players were joined by two from Barça Atlètic as Andreu Fontás and Jonathan Dos Santos were promoted. Dani Alves received treatment for a knock that he suffered to his ankle against Inter and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi continued working on their respective recuperation schedules.

The Argentinian forward did take to the field for the last 15 minutes along with a fitness coach.

Circuit training

Before training began in earnest, the players and coaches spoke in the middle of the pitch. That was followed by warm-up exercises and ball games before a circuit of running of the ball was introduced.

Barça return to training on Friday at 11am at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.