From the plane to train

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FC Barcelona trained on the pitch in front of La Masia on Friday after travelling directly from the airport to Camp Nou. The squad flew back from Valladolid the morning after drawing in the José Zorilla.

After spending the night in the Castilian city, the Blaugrana players were told that they were going straight into training as coach Frank Rijkaard was keen to hold a warm-down session. The Dutchman also had one eye on the next league encounter, which takes place on Sunday against Real Betis in Camp Nou (19:00 - Barça TV and PPV).

Abidal and Henry

After starting out along with the rest of the players doing sprints, Éric Abidal and Thierry Henry did not then take part in the ball exercises before continuing with their solitary recuperation programmes. The two Frenchman also enjoyed a passing exercise using the yellow football that will be re-introduced to the league this weekend.

Oleguer also reported for duty, despite pulling out of the squad to face Valladolid at the last moment due to gastroentiritis. The defender also worked away from teh squad along with Gaby Milito, who suffered a number of knocks during the midweek game. Lilian Thuram was the other player to train alone as he put himself through an intense physical circuit.

Edmílson out before the rest

Before the squad took to the training pitch, Edmílson had already been out to continue with his recovery schedule. The Brazilian did a circuit aimed at building up his physical strength without going near a ball.

Starters finish early

The starting side against Valladolid had a short session as they did a physical circuit and some stretches before retiring to the changing rooms, leaving the rest of the squad to continue training.

With the now familiar yellow ball being brought back for the winter period, Barça took advantage of the session to practice with it.