Barcelona defender makes a welcome return to group training

FC Barcelona have received a welcome boost as the Catalan club steps up preparations for the final bout of the LaLiga title race.

Sergi Roberto made an appearance in training on Saturday morning after spending a month and a half sidelined for Barcelona.

The full-back has been sidelined since the 5-3 Copa del Rey win over Granada on February 3 due to a recurrence of the thigh injury that has kept him out of action for much of the season.

Despite doing part of Saturday’s group training session, however, Roberto isn’t in the squad for Sunday’s trip to Real Sociedad in San Sebastian.

According to Diario AS, Barcelona plan to bring Roberto back to action after the international break. The 29-year-old’s appearance in training was seen as the next step towards his planned return date in two week’s time.

The club’s medical staff want to ease him back into the fold gradually to avoid any further injury setbacks and to leave him in good shape for the rest of the season.

💪 @SergiRoberto10

The player joined the squad for part of training pic.twitter.com/odNlM9XuDI

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 20, 2021

When could Roberto return?

Should all go to plan, Roberto could return for the Real Valladolid match on April 4 in La Liga at Camp Nou.

Gerard Pique, who is sidelined with a knee injury, also hopes to be available for that clash. The center-back reportedly plans to return to group training within a week after a month out.

Both Roberto and Pique are keen to some minutes in against Real Valladolid as a trip to Real Madrid awaits five days later in the Spanish capital.

There are no new updates on Philippe Coutinho (knee) and Ansu Fati (knee) so far, though.

🗣[ @fansjavimiguel🥇] | Pique and Sergi Roberto want to return to play after the national team break, they are aiming for the game against Real Valladolid. pic.twitter.com/O2ZKxT6awc

— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) March 20, 2021