Pep missed the final session before last Wednesday’s trip to the Mestalla, though he did make the game itself, and then spent five days in hospital receiving treatment for his bad back. He was discharged this morning and after speaking to the press this evening, he was back on the pitch with his players as they put the finishing touches to preparations for the big game against Arsenal.

19 first team players plus Thiago

With just Carles Puyol missing, all 19 available first team squad members plus B team midfielder Thiago trained this evening. Puyol was finally ruled out by the club doctors yesterday, whilst Gerard Piqué, who did train, misses the game after his yellow card in London.

Tactical work out

The players began the session at 18.00 with their usual warm up and possession exercises, before working on a number of tactics to help maintain possession under pressure and in reduced spaces, as well as some shooting practice.

No stay over for Guardiola

At 20.15, the 20 players and the technical staff, with the exception of Guardiola, left the ground for the hotel where they will be staying overnight and until kick off tomorrow. Guardiola will sleep in his own home and join the squad in the morning.