FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.02.2010 12:59

Alves back in training

Anna Segura

It is not all band news for Guardiola. Alves trained for the first time today, although in isolation from the rest of the group.

Josep Guardiola’s side returned to work on Monday after suffering their first defeat of the league season in Madrid. Several players were missing for what was essentially a session designed for recovery and which involved six members of the reserves.

Alves getting fitter

But it was great to see Dani Alves back on the pitch again. In the company of a fitness coach, the Brazilian full back did some jogging with the ball at his feet.

Six reserves

Six reserve players were also invited to the Ciutat Esportiva, including the three that were in the squad that faced Atlético Madrid: Bartra, Muniesa and Jonathan dos Santos. The other three were Gai Assulin, Oriol Romeu and goalkeeper Jordi Masip.

Piqué and Márquez ready

It has been a tough week for Guardiola, with so many defensive problems to sort out. The injured Alves, Touré, Abidal and Chygrynskiy were all out on Sunday, and now Keita has been added to that list, and won’t be playing for another four weeks. But the side can breathe more easily now that Piqué and Márquez have served their suspensions, and will be available for selection against Racing.

Concern over Xavi

The players that started against Atlético only trained gently, while some did not appear at all. Such was the case with Ibra, who stayed in the gym, and Xavi, who has some minor bother with the ischiotibials in his right leg. Sergio Busquets also missed training after getting special permission from the club.