Thierry Henry this morning received medical clearance to play in Sunday’s big game at Camp Nou with Real Madrid. Henry hasn’t played since Barça’s 3-0 win over Recreativo on November 25, and it is unlikely that he will be named in the starting XI, but he will certainly be a useful substitute to bring on with 20 minutes remaining. After the injury to Leo Messi, Frank rijkaard will want as many attacking options as possible.

Henry trained normally this morning and took part in a training match which put a possible starting XI against a second team. Henry played with the second team, as did Ronaldinho and Deco, which could be a hint to Rijkaard’s plans. The theoretical first team was: Valdes, Puyol, Marquez, Milito, Abidal, Xavi, Toure, Gudjohnsen, Giovani, Eto’o and Iniesta. The second team was: Jorquera, Zambrotta, Thuram, Edmílson, Sylvinho, Marc Crosas, Ezquerro, Deco, Bojan, Henry and Ronaldinho. As often seems to happen in these training games the second team won, Sylvinho and Ronaldinho scoring in a 2-0 win.

I wouldn’t put too much importance on the first eleven chosen for this training exercise. Coaches often try to fool their opponents when they know the press is watching and are going to report the possible lineup. I still think Ronaldinho will start against Madrid, but we’ll have to wait until Sunday to see what happens.