Mathieu returns to Barcelona training, Xavi trains alone

Barcelona, Jan 9 (EFE).- After Barcelona secured an easy 5-0 win against Elche in the Copa Del Rey's round of 16, French left back Jérémy Mathieu returned to Barcelona's team training Friday, while Xavi Hernandez continued to train individually due to injury.

Xavi missed the Elche game on Thursday on account of a hamstring injury in the soleus muscle of the left leg, and probably will not join the team during its important La Liga match versus Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Jérémy Mathieu, however, is likely to participate in the match despite not obtaining medical permission for his injured Achilles heel.

Mathieu joined his colleagues in the morning training session at the Ciudad Deportiva de Sant Joan Despi.

As usual, striker Mounir el Haddadi participated in Barca's training.

The team is set to hold another training session on Saturday before manager Luis Enrique appears at a press conference prior the Atletico Madrid match.



SHOTLIST: COURTESY BARÇA TV. FOOTAGE OF BARCEL