The players flew into London last night, ahead of schedule after the uncertainties surrounding air travel as a result of the Icelandic volcano dust cloud and they spent their first morning relaxing at The Grove Hotel, before continuing their preparations for Saturday’s game.

Evening session

The squad travelled to Arsenal’s training facilities at London Colney , 59 kilometres north of London and near to The Grove which is the team hotel, for a training session which began at 18.00 local time. All 24 players trained normally.

London Colney training facilities

Arsenal have lent Barça their training facilities at London Colney to prepare for the game against Manchester United. The ground was opened on 11th October 1999 and has 10 grass pitches and a covered artificial pitch where the Arsenal Ladies normally play. The training facilities are the base for the first team and Under 16 and under 18 teams, as well as occasionally by the England team when they are playing at Wembley.