FCBARCELONA.CAT

20.09.2007 12:39

Puyol back with the group

Berta Brau / Jordi Clos

The team captain took part in Thursday morning’s training session with the rest of the squad. The focus was on recovering tired muscles.

The mood was upbeat at the La Masía training ground on Thursday morning. On the one hand, there was general satisfaction with the result against Lyon while on the other Carles Puyol rejoined the group for the first time since his serious knee injury.

Steady progress

Puyol appeared before the rest of the group and warmed up by himself. However, when the rest of the players started the session he immediately joined them and was greeted by loud applause. The players did some jogging, passing practice and finished with a practice match. The signs were good for Puyol, who appears to be making steady progress in his recovery from the right knee ligament injury he suffered in June.

Light training for last night’s victors

The players that took part in the match against Olympique Lyon followed a rather lighter session than the rest and did not take part in the practice match. However, Henry and Abidal remained behind for a relaxed passing session.

Five-a-side

The practice game was played between two teams of five players: Puyol, Gio, Sylvinho, Ezquerro and goalkeeping coach Juan Carlos Unzué against Thuram, Bojan, Iniesta, Jorquera and Gudjohnsen. The Icelandic striker took a heavy collision and was advised by Club doctors to cut short his participation to avoid any further problems.