In a press conference this lunchtime, Frank Rijkaard has confirmed that Samuel Eto’o will delay his departure for the African Nations Cup preparations for another week. Eto’o was due to join up with the Cameroon National Team on Monday but Barça have negotiated with Cameroon and he will now be available not only for tomorrow’s match in Mallorca, but also for Wednesday’s cup game at Sevilla and the league game the following weekend at home to Murcia.

With Messi out injured and the problems with Ronaldinho this is great news for Barça, though one has to wonder what sort of “negotiations” go on in these cases. According to Fifa rules Cameroon would have every right to insist on Eto’o joining them on Monday, presumably Barça must offer some sort of compensation. I hope it is all legal and above board.