Focus switches to Chelsea

The team arrived back from Valencia on Sunday morning and went straight to the Club’s training grounds for a warm-down session.

After the hard-fought win away to Levante, the players spent the night in Valencia before returning to Barcelona on Sunday morning. Immediately after touching down at Barcelona airport the players headed for the Club’s training grounds. A crowded schedule leaves no room to relax. On Wednesday, the reigning European champions face Chelsea in London and today’s training session marked the start of the final countdown to the first leg of the CL semi-final.

The players who took part in the win against Levante focussed on recovering tired muscles while the rest of the squad, including Seydou Keita, who rejoined the main group, worked out as usual. Afellay, who was recently cleared for a return to action by Club doctors though he did not make the trip to Valencia, took a full part in training today. Nine players from the reserve squad - Tello, Montoya, Masip, Carmona, Armando, Rosell, Sergi Gómez, Gustavo and Espinosa – joined the seniors for today’s workout.

The next training session will be held on Monday afternoon before the squad travels to London. The game between Chelsea and Barça will kick off at 8.45 pm on Wednesday. (via FCBarcelona.cat)