The squad continued preparations for Saturday’s La Liga game against Getafe and were boosted by the reappearance of the Brazilians Alves and Adriano, who have been training apart since they both picked up knocks against Seville last Sunday.

Five players missing

Once again Guardiola was without the injured Puyol and Abidal, who is to undergo surgery today, with Messi, Pedro and Maxwell all working out in the gym as they try to get over their respective injuries. Maxwell and Pedro are both doubtful for the Getafe game, whilst Messi is still getting over the bang on the knee he picked up last weekend and his availability will depend on the progress he makes over the next couple of days.

19 players

The boss called up the same B team players he used yesterday - Miño, Montoya and Fontàs, as well as Youth Team player Gerard Deulofeu, to make it 19 players for the session, the second the squad have had ahead of Saturday’s game.

Friday at 10.30

The squad will be back in training on Friday morning at 10.30. The session will be held behind closed doors at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and Pep Guardiola will hold a press conference afterwards.