By Ameenu Shardow
Michael Essien figured prominently in Real Madrid’s first training session since their European Champions League win over Manchester United on Thursday.
The 30-year-old was not included in the final team for the controversial 2-1 win at Old Trafford despite travelling with the side.
The Ghana international was in the second larger group of three that trained intensively at the Real Madrid City training grounds.
The first group who trained lightly under assistant coach Rui Faria was made up of players who were on the pitch for the full 90 minutes at Old Trafford; Khedira, Xabi Alonso and HiguaÃn.
The final group was the goalkeepers who did special drills under the watchful eye of goalkeeper’s trainer Silvino Louro.
The team is in preparations towards Sunday’s away La Liga fixture against Celta de Vigo.
The Spanish champions have been on the roll haven secured back-to-back victories against Barcelona and passage to the quarter finals of the Champions League.