- Barcelona held their first training session under new boss Ernesto Valverde
- Lionel Messi and Neymar reportedly missed the session under the new coach
- Pique, Iniesta, Arda Turan were also absent from the training session
Lionel Messi and Neymar have reportedly missed Barcelona's first training session under new coach Ernesto Valverde.
NAIJ.com gathered that Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique among others were also missing from the session.
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According to reports, Messi, Neymar, Pique and Arda Turan were all in Tokyo to promote Barca's new sponsors Rakuten.
Messi, Neymar, 10 others miss Barcelona's first training session under Ernesto Valverde. Photo source: Sun UK.
However, Busquets, Denis Suarez, Iniesta, Alba, Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti were given extended breaks due to their international commitments.
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Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Andre Gomes were also given extended breaks as they took part in the just concluded Confederations cup in Russia.
NAIJ.com understands that international players are set to return on Friday, July 14, while Messi and Neymar will join their teammates from Japan a day later.
Messi, Neymar, 10 others miss Barcelona's first training session under Ernesto Valverde. Photo source Sun UK.
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The Camp Nou side will battle Juventus in New Jersey on July 23 in their first pre-season tour
The Catalan giants are set to face fierce rivals Real Madrid on July 30 in the US.
NAIJ.com earlier reported that Messi gave his thoughts on Barca's new manager Ernesto Valverde.
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