Internationals return; Alexis set to join team on Friday

Leo Messi, en l'entrenament d'aquest dijous. FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB.
The footballers that played for their countries in this week’s international friendlies returned to training this afternoon, with the exception of the Chilean, who played in the United States

Carles Puyol and Jonathan Dos Santos rejoined their team-mates and trained with the group this afternoon – they trained apart for the team on Wednesday

Tito Vilanova’s FC Barcelona was almost back to full strength this Thursday afternoon for today’s preparatory session ahead of the team’s La Liga debut against Real Sociedad on Sunday. The only first team player absent from today’s session was Alexis Sánchez, who played for his country on Wednesday in New York City. The rest of the internationals, however, reported for duty and trained with the rest of their team-mates.

Puyol and Dos Santos

Carles Puyol and Jonathan dos Santos were also back with the group this afternoon – yesterday they trained apart from the team. Tello, Sergi Roberto and the keeper Bañuz, from the reserve side, also trained with the first team. Thiago Alcántara, however, continued his recovery work apart from the group.

The team will take to the pitch on Friday afternoon for another training session. If everything goes according to schedule, Tito Vilanova will have all his internationals back by Friday.