Everything you need to know about the return to training

It's back to normal for the first team, with the training routine returning after a week of holidays. Ernesto Valverde's squad will work out on December 29 (at 6:00pm CET) at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, with the league match against Espanyol on the horizon (Saturday, January 4 - 9.00pm CET).

The team will then have a double training session on Monday 30 (11.00am and 6.00pm CET) and have another working day on Tuesday 31 (10.00am CET). On January 1 the team will rest, before resuming training again in 2020. The first session of the new year will be on Thursday 2 (5.00pm CET). Leo Messi, Luis Suárez, Neto and Arturo Vidal will be joining the group from Thursday, January 2. 

Espanyol-Barça, in mind

Finally, on January 4, the Barça players will travel to RCDE Stadium. It's a derby that will close the first round of LaLiga, and open the new year fixtures. So, 2020 begins with a real test for Ernesto Valverde's team as they look to hold on to top spot. The precedent last season between Espanyol and Barça ended with a Barça victory.

For this match, Espanyol will have a new coach; former FC Barcelona player Abelardo. The Asturian defended Barça's colours for eight seasons (1994/95 -2001/02).

Open house session at Johan Cruyff

On January 5, from 11.00am CET, the Johan Cruyff Stadium at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper will take over from the Miniestadi and host the traditional open-door training session for the first team for the first time.