Messi, Neymar undergo physical tests

Barcelona offered a rare glimpse into the process by which their star players are assessed when returning from the offseason. Lionel Messi and Neymar were put through their paces by medical staff who ran the rule over both superstars in a video shared by the club on Instagram.

The deadly attacking duo were weighed, measured and plugged with various monitors and electrodes whilst they blew off the cobwebs on a treadmill.

A statement on the club website explained that in addition to routine exercises, the players also underwent foot examinations and strength tests. 

Messi shared a warm embrace with his lo

ng-time friend and team-mate Andres Iniesta, who was also undergoing the examination.

Neymar crossed paths with Gerard Pique whilst the Brazilian was taking a blood test and proceeded to mock his haircut, holding up an old image of the striker to compare with his current shaggy look.

In total eleven players returned to Barcelona's training centre for their physical check-ups.

The rest of the squad had undergone te

sting on Wednesday and were joined by latecomers once they were cleared for action on Friday afternoon.

Barcelona are four training sessions into the Ernesto Valverde era as head coach and the 53-year-old will no doubt be buoyed by Neymar and Messi's presence in his ranks.

The Catalan side will enjoy a few days in familiar surroundings before jetting off to the United States for the International Champions Cup.

Juventus are the first opponents for Valverde's men on July 22 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The five-time European Cup winners will want to test themselves against elite opposition and reach peak condition for the best possible preparation to wrestle back dominance from Real Madrid both domestically and in Europe.