With the return of a few more faces to the training ground, Carlo Ancelotti's sessions have stepped up in intensity.

England trio John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole have rejoined the group, as have the Portuguese internationals and Branislav Ivanovic, not to mention Ukrainian Andriy Shevchenko, back at Cobham after a year on loan at AC Milan.

They have slotted in quickly and by the looks of it, have enjoyed getting back to work.

After a stretch and warm up the real work began, starting with groups of three trying to keep the ball in the air while running the length of the pitch.

Next up was some solo work, players asked to alternate sprinting and jogging with a ball at their feet for a set time.

There then followed a rest period in the form of shooting practice, where the highlight was Franco Di Santo's stunning volley from Ashley Cole's cross, hammered into the top corner.

Finally there were two mini games, the first concentrating on possession, while the second saw the goalkeepers introduced at either end, with Di Santo again finding the net with some precise finishing.