FC Barcelona start training for Copa del Rey game with Hércules

FC Barcelona are into their last week of work before the first team players take a well-earned Christmas break. Following the 4-1 defeat of Espanyol on Sunday night, Luis Enrique had his squad straight back on the training for a Monday morning workout ahead of the Copa del Rey clash with Hercules on Wednesday at 10.00pm CET.

Leo Messi, Neymar Jr, Luis Suárez and Gerard Piqué have all been given special permission to start their holidays early, but the reminder of the squad were all present at the Ciutat Esportiva on a cold and damp morning.

They will be training for a second time on Tuesday at 11.00am CET, in a session that will be open to the media. Luis Enrique will be giving a press conference afterwards at which he’ll be discussing the team’s prospects in the second leg of the round of 32 tie, following the 1-1 draw in Alicante.