Gerard Pique back to training early, joining Mascherano and Busquets

Three Barça players decided to come back form their holidays early on Thursday, following the example of Leo Messi.

Two of them, Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets were expected, particularly as each of them passed by the training complex on Wednesday morning to undergo their routine medical checks.

It was also expected that Marc-Andre Ter Stegen would join them, but he did not appear in the end. 

The german keeper will probably attend in the coming days, as it seems clear he will not be taking his full holiday entitlement, which is due to end on August 8.

The big surprise in the morning session in Barcelona, was the appearance of defender Gerard Pique.

The centre-back, who was due back on August 1, has decided to end his summer break early, just another example of the Catalan's commitment and desire to avoid resting on his laurels.

The training session was taken by the physical trainer of the B team, Ismael Camenforte, and supervised by the head of the first team physios, Juanjo Brau.

Obviously the session involved light work to begin the pre-season schedule.

Another session will take place on Friday, at which another player or two may appear.

In any case, none of the players currently training in Barcelona will travel to the England stage, nor play in the Dublin friendly against Celtic.