The already very adorable Marcelo made himself even more adorable at this morning’s session.  Anyone want to guess who was on the receiving end of this?  Since I don’t think Clarice was at the session, or Enzo for that matter, I’m going to say it was aimed at Cristiano, to welcome him back.  Cristiano once again made a miraculous recovery, and was able to attend and participate in the training session this morning for the players not called up for tonight’s game.  Also back: Mahamadou Diarra, who had spent a few extra days in Mali with the permission of the club due to his mother’s sickness.

And wow, Xabi’s hair is flat and so neatly arranged, no?

And continuing in the tradition of cute goalkeepers from the cantera, here’s Isaac from Castilla.  He was joined at the session by his Castilla teammates Dani Carvajal and Raúl Goni.

Meanwhile, the players who were called up for the Levante game arrived in Valencia.  It’s so great to see so many canteranos there!  And to me, Sergio Canales is just like a canterano, because he’s so young.  And it’s also wonderful to see the return of Fernando Gago as well.  Have fun tonight, boys!