Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets return early for Barça

Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets return early for Barça

Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets have followed the lead of Lionel Messi, Arda Turan and Marc-Andre ter Stegen and will return to training for Barcelona on Thursday.

The two were allowed until August 1 to complete their holidays along with the other Blaugrana players who participated in Euro 2016 and the Copa America.

However, Mascherano and Busquets have already recharged their batteries and are ready to commence their preparations for the new season. This morning, in fact, the two were present at the Ciutat Esportiva ahead of their departure to Birmingham on Thursday, where - along with Ter Stegen, who has also cut short his post-season break - will join-up with the squad at St. George's Park.

Mascherano has already had one piece of good news this week, with 'Jefecito' renewing his contract with Barça by a further year until June 2019. The 32-year-old is seen as a vital member of the squad by Luis Enrique, with the Catalan club finally convincing the player to extend his current deal and end the continued speculation linking the player with Juventus.

Busquets is also one of the heavyweights of the team and has taken no respite in making his return earlier than expected after representing Spain at Euro 2016, where La Roja were knocked-out in the round of 16 by Italy.