Tito Vilanova leads 1st practice since surgery

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -Barcelona says coach Tito Vilanova has led his first team practice session 13 days after undergoing throat surgery to remove a tumor.

Vilanova took charge of the team's second session on Wednesday after watching assistant Jordi Roura lead the first practice.

The 44-year-old Vilanova is recovering after undergoing surgery on Dec. 20. He was greeted by the nine players who turned up for the first training session of the year, including Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets.

The Spanish club failed to indicate if Vilanova would return to the sideline for Sunday's home game against crosstown rival Espanyol.

Barcelona also says goalkeeper Victor Valdes was unable to train because of a left foot injury.