Arda Turan and Javier Mascherano return to Barcelona training ahead of Juventus clash

Arda Turan, Javier Mascherano and Jérémy Mathieu have handed Barcelona manager Luis Enrique a much-needed boost by returning to training ahead of the key games with Juventus and Real Madrid. The Catalans host the Italian side on Wednesday night (19 April) looking to overcome a 3-0 deficit from Turin before travelling to the Santiago Bernabeu to play the second El Clasico of the campaign on Sunday.

Turan has missed Barcelona's last five games after suffering an injury to his groin while on international duty with Turkey last month. Barcelona reported last week that the the former Atletico Madrid star was back in training, but he didn't received medical clearance for the weekend's 3-2 win over Real Sociedad.

On Sunday the Barcelona playmaker set alarms bells ringing over a possible setback in the recovery after emerged that he, Mascherano and Mathieu failed to complete a workout with the rest of their teammates.

Mascherano also missed the weekend win over Real Sociedad after suffering an injury in his left calf during the 3-0 defeat to Juventus in first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

Mathieu, meanwhile, made the bench against the Basque side but was also labelled a doubt to face Juventus due to his absence in Sunday's training session.

However, Barcelona have given a clear indication that the trio could be ready to face Juventus on Wednesday after revealing the players were able to complete Tuesday's workout alongside their teammates.

"In warm sunshine, the first-team squad was joined on the Tito Vilanova field by Carles Aleñá of Barça B as they finalised plans for what they are hoping will be another night to remember in the No Camp," Barcelona confirmed. "Javier Mascherano, Arda Turan and Jeremy Mathieu, all of whom have had fitness problems of varying degrees over the last few days, were able to train normally with the squad."

The return of the trio is a boost for Luis Enrique as the game with Juventus will come just four days before a visit to Real Madrid, which is expected to be crucial in the battle for La Liga.

Barcelona are currently three points behind Los Blancos in La Liga and a defeat in El Clasico could signal an early end to their hopes to regaining the title – as Real Madrid still have one game in hand.

Javier Mascherano is expected to start both games if Luis Enrique opts to use a 3-4-3 formation, to partner the Argentine with Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique in the heart of the defence.

Meanwhile, Turan could have a big role to play in El Clasico as Neymar will miss the trip to Real Madrid due to suspension.