At 9.30 on the dot, Josep Guardiola and Eusebio Sacristán came out onto the Ciutat Esportiva pitch to lead this morning’s 90 minute session –the third time this week that the B team players have worked out with the first team squad. During the second part of training, the players took part in a practice game across the width of the practice pitch and then finished off with some stretching exercises and a team talk from the boss.

Xavi and Puyol train apart

Xavi admitted in his press conference on Wednesday that he is still suffering from a niggle in his foot and today he again trained apart from the rest of the group, as did Puyol who continues with his recovery programme from his knee operation.

Piqué has slight strain

Gerard Piqué also worked out away from the main group, as he is suffering from a strain in his left calf which is not expected to keep him away from normal training for very long.

Rest time

After an intensive first week of training, the players have been given Thursday afternoon and Friday morning off to rest ahead of Saturday’s first friendly of the pre-season against Hadjuk Split and will not report back to the Ciutat Esportiva till Friday evening.