Barcelona arrive back in training and squad including Messi are tested for coronavirus as LaLiga prepares for restart

LIONEL MESSI and his Barcelona team-mates returned to training for the first time in almost two months on Wednesday morning ahead of getting tested for coronavirus.

Some of the stars arrived wearing face masks and gloves in order to keep themselves as safe as possible.

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Lionel Messi was among the early arrivals back at Barcelona training on WednesdayCredit: Reuters

The captain headed in at the same time as close pal Luis SuarezCredit: AFP or licensors

Antoine Griezmann rocked up in his white Rolls Royce wearing a protective face maskCredit: AFP or licensors

The players have not been to Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper since March 13 due to the coronavirus crisis which hit Spain particularly hard.

But they are making their way back to begin isolated training – and will all be tested for Covid-19.

Barca’s training ground was inspected on Tuesday and given the all clear by LaLiga for players and coaches to return.

Sergi Roberto, Ivan Rakitic, Clement Lenglet and Marc-Andre ter Stegen were the first four squad members to arrive.

Frenkie de Jong, Nelson Semedo, Arthur Melo and Martin Braithwaite soon joined them at the complex.

And they were followed by captain Messi and Luis Suarez.

The pair normally arrive together anyway, but this time came in separate cars rather than sharing a lift.

Testing of players and staff will continue throughout Wednesday and Thursday – if everyone is clear, the club hope to begin group training in the coming weeks.

To begin with, they will train completely alone and work individually while wearing gloves and always keeping at least two metres away from each other – with the coaching staff doing the same.

After that initial phase, the next step would see the players starting to work in small groups together and then a return to regular ‘pre-season’ training.

Protocols sent to the Nou Camp club suggested players should avoid contact with family and other people.

According to reports, there is an option for the players to move into La Masia, the on-site accommodation for the academy, because the youngsters have returned home – but this is not thought to be wanted.

There is still no set date for when LaLiga will resume its season, although an early June date is being targeted in order to complete the campaign by the end of July.

Barcelona sit top of the table, two points clear of rivals Real Madrid with 11 games remaining.

Atletico Madrid and city-rivals Real Madrid also returned to training on Wednesday.

Spanish league president Javier Tebas has always been adamant the season WOULD finish, saying a cancellation to the season would cost a staggering £840million.

In a statement, Tebas said: “People’s health is paramount. We have a comprehensive protocol to safeguard the health of everyone involved as we work to restart LaLiga.

“Circumstances are unprecedented, but we hope to start playing again in June and finish our 2019/20 season this summer.”

Marc-Andre ter Stegen opted to wear gloves for his drive inCredit: Reuters

Clement Lenglet was another player who wore a face maskCredit: Reuters

Sergi Roberto was the first man back at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper complexCredit: AFP or licensors

In England, some clubs are following similar training methods with the likes of Arsenal opening their London Colney base to allow players to work alone with a pitch each.

It is a similar situation in Italy with champions Juventus heading back in on Tuesday for the first time.

But in Germany, Bayern Munich have been training since April 6 and the Bundesliga are hoping to get matches back underway behind closed doors, potentially as early as May 15.

Players have not been at the training ground since March 13Credit: Reuters

Everybody will be tested to ensure they have not got coronavirusCredit: AFP or licensors

Arturo Vidal also chose to protect his face as he made his way inCredit: AFP or licensors

To start with, the squad will train individually with the hope of introducing group work in the coming weeksCredit: AFP or licensors

Marcos Llorente, the Champions League hero against Liverpool, was back at training alongside his Atletico Madrid team-matesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Angel Correa took the extra precautionary measures as he was reunited with the Atleti squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk