Messi and Barcelona squad train for first time after winter break

Barcelona got back down to business on Wednesday evening as the entire squad trained together for the first time since returning from their winter break.

Lionel Messi and Co were put through their paces at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper ahead of their return to action against Getafe on Sunday night.

Barca return to action three points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the table and then take on Levante in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on January 10.

Ernesto Valverde gathered his players as they went through a number of drills and exercises in chilly conditions in Catalunya.

Luis Suarez, Messi, Malcom, Munir and Arturo Vidal had not trained in the light sessions before New Year, meaning this workout was their first since arriving back in Spain.

The players will have another session on Thursday morning before taking part in a double practice on Friday as they step up their preparations for a return to action.

There will also be an open training session at the Miniestadi for Barca fans to enjoy before players spend time visiting a number of local hospitals.

Valverde recently revealed a sense of uncertainty surrounding his position at the helm of the Nou Camp, with the club yet to offer him a new deal.

Valverde, who won the title last season with the Catalan club, has a contract with Barca running until 2020 - yet an option remains in place for this to be terminated a year early, pending performances.

An air of silence from the club regarding the long-term status of Valverde has caused the man himself to speculate.

'I do not know what I will do next season,' Valverde frankly revealed in a recent interview with Barca's official club channel.

'In this football, who knows? We all know how things are. I never think long or long term.

'For us, two months are a very long term. If you win a game, everyone is happy and if you lose, everyone is watching you.'