Pictures and Updates as La Liga Sides Begin to Make Long-Awaited Return to Training

It's happening. It's finally happening. Football is starting to return. Finally.

It feels like an eternity since the coronavirus outbreak first brought things to a halt, but La Liga sides are among the first to get the ball rolling once more after the Spanish government deemed that it was safe to return to training.

It was a big day for everyone, and that excitement spilled over on to social media.

Barcelona were one of the sides who took to the pitch on Friday for the first time in nearly two months, with players all permitted to work individually to keep on top of their fitness.

As per the government's rules, the players all arrived in their training kit and went to their designated training area immediately. After training alone, they were all sent home without visiting communal areas like the changing rooms or dining hall.

It wasn't only Barcelona who got back among the action on Friday, with a number of sides taking the opportunity to welcome their stars back.

At the minute, there is no definitive plan on how to bring La Liga back. Leganés manager Javier Aguirre recently claimed that 20 June is already down in the diaries of league officials, but there are likely a few more obstacles to overcome first.

However, in the meantime, it's time to enjoy the sight of players out on grass once more.

Unfortunately for Atlético Madrid, it wasn't all fun for them. Diego Simeone's men spent the morning finalising their coronavirus tests, but the plan is to start again on Saturday.

However, they will be without left-back Renan Lodi, who is believed to have tested positive for the virus.

Lodi has instead entered a ten-day isolation period, but will hopefully be ready to join up with his teammates at the end.

But among all the excitement of football returning, don't forget about social distancing. Stay safe.