Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen has returned to training at La Masia.

Vermaelen has trained with his team mates for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury.

He sustained the injury before he signed for Barca from Arsenal, prompting some to question why the club completed the deal to sign the 29-year-old.

"The main novelty at the training session was Thomas Vermaelen," Barca said on their official website.

"The Belgian defender was able to complete part of training with the rest of the group."