Suárez, Messi and Vidal back with the squad

In preparation for their first match of the new year, the Catalan derby against RCD Espanyol, the FC Barcelona squad took part in their first training session of 2020 on Thursday afternoon. The workout also marked the return of some of the club's South American contingent, as Luis Suárez, Leo Messi and Arturo Vidal rejoined the fold after having been given the 29th, 30th and 31st of December off. All available members of the squad were put through their paces at the Tito Vilanova pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, joined by Barça B players Iñaki Peña, Collado, C. Pérez and Ansu Fati.

Next up for the team will be a further training session at 6pm CET on Friday, in which they will make the final touches for their approach to the visit to the RCDE Stadium. Before that, coach Ernesto Valverde will speak to the media in a press conference at 5pm.