Jordi Alba has arrived at the Ciutat Esportiva this Thursday afternoon, after the team had finished with their second training session of the day. The new blaugrana player greeted his new teammates and seized the opportunity to meet with Tito Vilanova. The coach has prioritized rest for the player and, although Alba volunteered to return immediately to work, the coach gave him rest until Wednesday, August 8, coinciding with the team’s trip to Gothenburg to face Manchester United. This means that after playing in the European Cup and Olympic Games, Barça’s new signing will be able to enjoy a few days of rest.

The other two blaugana footballers to feature in the Olympic Games -Martín Montoya and Cristian Tello- also arrived in Barcelona this Thursday and will take part in training with their colleagues on Friday morning.

Tito Vilanova led a group of 20 players during Thursday afternoon’s session, including 18 footballers from the first team as well as Sergi Roberto and Oier from the reserves, the same as in the morning. The only absence today was Jonathan Dos Santos, who is working away from the group to recover from a pulled quadriceps in his right leg.

During training today, Adriano experienced some trouble with his left ankle. The progress of his recovery will determine his availability for Saturday’s game.

The squad trained for the first time this preseason on pitch no. 1 of the Ciutat Esportiva, after the process of changing the grass was completed this summer. Gaby Milito watched the session and afterwards talked with his former teammates.

The next training session will be on Friday morning at 9am behind closed doors. Afterwards, Víctor Valdés will appear at a press conference.