Barcelona says coach Tito Vilanova has returned for his first visit to the club after undergoing throat surgery to remove a tumor.

The club says Vilanova arrived early Wednesday to see the club's squad training under assistant coach Jordi Roura but did not take part.

The 44-year-old coach, who is recovering from surgery he underwent on Dec. 20, was greeted by the nine players who turned up for the first training session of the year, including Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets.

The club says goalkeeper Victor Valdes was unable to train because of a left foot injury.