11.10.2010 19:51

Three Argentineans back in training

Edgar Fornós / Jordi Clos

The squad were back in training this evening with the Argentineans Messi, Mascherano and Milito back from international duty, joining Pinto, Abidal, Maxwell and Keita from the first team squad to prepare for Saturday’s clash with Valencia.

After a two day break, the remnants of the squad were back at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper this evening at the start of a week when Guardiola will gradually recover his full quota of players as they return from international games. The first to make it back safe and sound were the Argentineans Leo Messi, Javier Mascherano and Gaby Milito who were involved in their country’s 1-0 defeat to Japan last weekend.

B team youngsters Masip, Benja, Edu Oriol, Muniesa and Planas made up the group, with Xavi and Pedro continuing to work on getting over their respective injury problems. Pedro limited himself to some gentle jogging around the training pitch.

Concentrating on Valencia

With six Spanish internationals, two under 21s and the Brazilians Alves and Adriano due back during the week, Guardiola will begin preparing for the game against leaders Valencia on Saturday. This evening’s session consisted of some ball work, physical exercises and tactical talk.