B team defenders feature in training

Marc Guillén / Vanessa Forns

Barça had their second to last training session on Friday before playing Vila-real. They were joined by four reserves, including Bartra and Fontàs, who Guardiola may use to cover the gaps in defence.

The focus is still Saturday’s league game at the Camp Nou with Vila-real. Today’s session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper started behind closed doors at 11.00 am, and the 17 participants included four from the side coached by Luis Enrique.

Piqué and Adriano with group
The only players missing were the injured Milito, and Pinto with special permission to be absent. Jeffren is still recovering from injury, but did join in with all of the non-contact exercises.

Piqué, who is suspended tomorrow, and worked out alone in the gym yesterday, trained normally today, as did Adriano, who has made a quick recovery from gastroenteritis.

Possible selections
The four Barça B players at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper today were goalkeeper Rubén Miño, Thiago Alcántara, Marc Bartra and Andreu Fontàs. Considering Guardiola’s defensive woes against Vila-real, with an injured Milito and suspended Piqué, meaning he only has 16 first team players available, the manager is likely to draw on the B team for centre back cover.

Final training, Saturday at 12.00
The usual warm-up drills were followed by some gentle fitness training. As usual on match days, the squad will train again on the morning of the match at midday, which this time will be behind closed doors at the Camp Nou at 12.00.