The first signing of the Pep Guardiola era at FC Barcelona, Seydou Keita, has returned to his former club – but only to train for a few days.

keitaThe Malian international played 188 official matches for Barca and left with 14 out of 19 possible titles. He has rejoined his old team mates to help get fully match fit in time for the 2013 African Cup of Nations.

Keita has obtained permission from Dalian Aerbin, the Chinese team where he currently plys his trade, to train at Barca for a few days. The situation mirrors that of New York Red Bulls defender and ex Barca man Rafa Marquez, who has taken advantage of some training in Barcelona for the last four seasons with the blessing of his team.

The player, who has been in China since July, will fly out to Africa early in the New Year, the tournament beginning on January the 21st with games in both Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The next Chinese Super League does not begin until March and as long as Mali progress well in the competition, this should ensure that Keita is at peak fitness when rejoining his club.

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