Barcelona return to training after winter break with Celta Vigo up next

Barcelona have returned to training after the winter break as they start to step up preparations for the second half of the season.

The Catalan giants headed into the Christmas break in good spirits after a fantastic 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Clasico at the Bernabeu.

However, the players are now ready to start preparing for their first game of 2018 which takes place next Thursday against Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey.

That match is swiftly followed by a Liga clash with Levante at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Barcelona are still without Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Javier Mascherano, and the trio are not expected back until 2 January.

That allowed Barca B youngsters Jose Arnaiz and Carles Alena to train with the first team and they will be hoping to see some action against Celta.

Another player who we should catch a glimpse of next week is Ousmane Dembele who should hopefully make his long-awaited return from injury.