FCBARCELONA.CAT

21.08.2008 19:01

Afternoon of reunions at La Masía

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In the Thursday training session, the team recovered most of the players that were away this week on international duty. Before starting, the players held a minute’s silence in memory of the people that died in the plane tragedy at Barajas.

Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, Bojan, Gudjohnsen, Piqué, Touré, Henry and Hleb were all back this afternoon after playing international games this week. In total, Pep Guardiola had 19 players under his orders at La Masía. The last to arrive was Gudjohnsen, from Iceland, after his planes were delayed. As was already known, the only international, apart from Messi, not to be back in time for training was Márquez.

Minute’s silence

The team joined the national sentiment of mourning following the airline accident at Barajas and before starting work they observed a solemn minute’s silence. One player who was absent was Pinto, who has specific work to do to recover from an elbow problem. His place was taken by reserve team stopper Oier.

Alves back

After the minute’s silence, the first training session of the say began. Dani Alves was involved for the first time since being injured against Wisla Krakow, and was able to train as normal with his colleagues, although he did retire early, as did the players that had played international matches.