Rafinha returns to Barcelona training

Midfielder Rafinha is one of four players looking to get back on the pitch after injury layoffs, who trained with the rest of the squad on Friday.

Rafinha took part in Barcelona training on Friday.

Rafinha returned to Barcelona training on Friday for the first time since suffering an injury on April 2.

The Brazilian damaged the meniscus in his right knee in last season's 4-1 La Liga win over Granada and has yet to make an appearance since undergoing surgery.

Midfielder Rafinha was involved in the training ahead of Sunday's clash with Villarreal and will hope to return to full fitness before the end of the year.

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Ousmane Dembele also took part in the session as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, while captain Andres Iniesta and Javier Mascherano were also involved.

The return to training of these four players will come as a boost to Ernesto Valverde ahead of a difficult run of fixtures this month, with Sunday's trip to Estadio de la Ceramica followed by a home match with Deportivo La Coruna and the Clasico clash with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on December 23.