Thomas Vermaelen has taken part in first-team training at Barcelona for the first time since undergoing hamstring surgery.
Vermaelen, who joined Barca from Arsenal last summer, has yet to make his official debut for the Primera Division leaders due to fitness troubles but he recently said he was hoping he would regain match fitness next month.
On Wednesday, the Belgian took part in training with Xavi Hernandez, Luis Suarez, Jeremy Mathieu, Adriano, Martin Montoya, Douglas, Sergi Roberto and Jordi Masip, with the bulk of the squad away with their national teams for the international break.
Reduced squad in training http://t.co/5ftVR77Kfi pic.twitter.com/hgdcmwJCbj
- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 25, 2015
A statement on the club's official website said Vermaelen "joined the rest of the group for a part of the session."
It added that Dani Alves, who has not been called up to the Brazil squad, had "worked separately."