Barcelona: Piqué back training and could be in the list for the PSG tie
The central defender returned to full training on Sunday and completed the session as normal. The club will see how he fares in training tomorrow.
For several weeks, Gerard Piqué had 14 February marked in red. It was the day when he was due to return to training with with the squad after having spent almost three months out recovering from a serious injury to his right knee. He was eager to see how his knee responded, how he felt and the possibility that he might be able to help the team in this week's Champions League tie against PSG.
Piqué feeling good in first training session
Diario AS understands that Piqué could not have been happier with how today's session went - his first with the squad since last year. He completed the full the full 75 minute workout without any problems, he knee was stable throughout and his overall sensations were extremely positive. So much so that he will be back with the squad for Monday's morning session, this time exercising with the full squad, as today he worked alongside the substitutes and those who didn't take part in last night's game against Alavés.
Piqué fell injured on 21 November. The initial diagnosis was a Grade III sprain to the lateral internal ligament and partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Doctors estimated he would be out of action for between three to four months if he opted for a conservative approach with his treatment rather than undergo surgery. The defender has surprised medical staff with his spectacular recovery and now he looks set to return little over two and a half months later.
The central defender now has two training sessions to convince Ronald Koeman that he is fit to play on Tuesday. The coach has been extremely cautious about risking players who have been sidelined and the club's medical staff have warned Piqué that as he has been inactive for such a long period of time, there is always a risk of a relapse if a player returns to play a high-level game after just three training sessions.
However, Piqué is a specialist in assuming challenges and is not only hoping to play Tuesday's game against PSG but be involved from the start.
Araújo nearing return
A player who is in a similar position is Ronald Araújo, who suffered a Grade II sprain to his left ankle last weekend. The prognosis was three weeks on the sidelines but the Uruguayan centre-back is willing to take painkilling injections if it means he can play against PSG. He will undergo tests on Monday to see how he feels.
Two players coming back from injury which gives Koeman food for thought over the next few hours. He must decide whether to include both central defenders in his squad list for the PSG match. In any case, nothing will be decided until the day of the game after both players have been assessed in the morning light workout.