Andres Iniesta took part in a Barcelona training session on Monday to give the Spanish side a boost ahead of their meeting with Chelsea.
The midfielder’s participation in Wednesday’s Champions League tie has been in doubt since he went off with a hamstring problem in the recent win over Atletico Madrid.
Today was the first time he trained with the rest of the squad, giving Barcelona hope he will be able to play this week at the Nou Camp.
The Barcelona squad were in high spirits during the session, with the players applauding Lionel Messi for the birth of his third child who arrived over the weekend. Messi missed Barcelona’s win over Malaga at the weekend to attend the birth but was back in training today.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde admitted how important Iniesta was to his side.
‘We have similar players, although he is unique. We have similar profile players, Denis [Suarez] and [Philippe] Coutinho, Andre Gomes as well.
‘Their characteristics are comparable and they could play in [Iniesta’s] position.’
His potential absence from the Champions League is more concerning for Barcelona as Coutinho in ineligible to play in Europe.
More: Chelsea FC
The tie with Chelsea is delicately poised after the sides drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. Willian put the Blues ahead before an equaliser from Lionel Messi – who was assisted by Iniesta.
MORE: Olivier Giroud insists Chelsea have the ‘quality’ to knock Barcelona out of the Champions League
Andres Iniesta took part in a Barcelona training session on Monday to give the Spanish side a boost ahead of their meeting with Chelsea.
The midfielder’s participation in Wednesday’s Champions League tie has been in doubt since he went off with a hamstring problem in the recent win over Atletico Madrid.
Today was the first time he trained with the rest of the squad, giving Barcelona hope he will be able to play this week at the Nou Camp.
The Barcelona squad were in high spirits during the session, with the players applauding Lionel Messi for the birth of his third child who arrived over the weekend. Messi missed Barcelona’s win over Malaga at the weekend to attend the birth but was back in training today.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde admitted how important Iniesta was to his side.
‘We have similar players, although he is unique. We have similar profile players, Denis [Suarez] and [Philippe] Coutinho, Andre Gomes as well.
‘Their characteristics are comparable and they could play in [Iniesta’s] position.’
His potential absence from the Champions League is more concerning for Barcelona as Coutinho in ineligible to play in Europe.
More: Chelsea FC
The tie with Chelsea is delicately poised after the sides drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. Willian put the Blues ahead before an equaliser from Lionel Messi – who was assisted by Iniesta.
MORE: Olivier Giroud insists Chelsea have the ‘quality’ to knock Barcelona out of the Champions League
