Adriano back after missing training

Brazil forward Adriano was back with his Inter team-mates yesterday after missing their first training session of the year 24 hours earlier.

The Serie A champions said the player was absent on Friday because of medical checks but Italian media reported that he had returned late from his Christmas holidays in his native country.

Adriano has upset Jose Mourinho with his commitment at times this season but the coach, who held talks with the 26-year-old yesterday, dismissed speculation he could be loaned to his old club Flamengo.

"What's he going to do at Flamengo? You go to Brazil on holiday," Mourinho told reporters.

Adriano spent part of last season on loan at Sao Paulo after falling out with Mourinho's predecessor Roberto Mancini.

Mourinho said Adriano would soon be fit to play for the league leaders after injuring his thigh in last month's 2-1 defeat at Werder Bremen in the Champions League.