Frank Rijkaard has included Toure Yaya, Gianluca Zambrotta and Rafa Marquez in the squad for tomorrow’s game at home to Almeria which kicks off at 7pm Spanish time (don’t forget to put your clocks back tonight). Also included is Leo Messi but it will be a last minute decision whether he plays or not. Keep reading →

Leo Messi could be rested for Sunday’s match with Almeria as a precaution. Messi has a slight muscle strain but will almost certainly be named in the squad for the game. However, unless he is 100% fit, Rijkaard may decide it is better not to take the risk of causing a more serious injury. Keep reading →

Good news for Barça as it seems that Toure Yaya will be fit for this Sunday’s game against Almeria. Gianluca Zambrotta could also be included in the squad. With Deco out injured Toure is a vital piece to bring a balance to the midfield. Rafa Marquez is close to returning but it is more likely he will be back for the game at Valladolid on November 1st.

Samuel Eto’o has started running this week and next week he should start training with the ball. However, he is not likely to be back in the team until the home game with Recreativo on November 25th at the earliest.

One of the things I always enjoy about Barça playing British teams is the opportunity to compare the British and the Spanish press. It is interesting to see how the papers tend to write what they believe their readers want to read, rather than reporting impartially what they have seen. Keep reading →

Barça had to settle for a 0-0 draw this evening as they were unable to break through a packed Rangers defence. Barça had a great deal of possession but couldn’t take any of the few chances they created. Keep reading →

Reserve team coach Pep Guardiola has finally been declared innocent of doping. A seven months suspended sentence that he received in 2005 has been quashed. In 2001 Guardiola was found guilty of using Nandrolene while he was playing for Brescia in the Italian league. Keep reading →

In case you haven’t already seen this story, three Sheffield Wednesday fans face prosecution for comments they posted on a blog. So, you have been warned, nobody is anonymous in cyberspace. Click here for the full story from yesterday’s Guardian.

Tomorrow evening sees the resumption of the Champions League as Barça take on Rangers at the Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow. This match could be very important to see who finishes top of Group E as both teams are currently on six points. Ronaldinho is back in the squad for the game after missing Saturday’s defeat at Villarreal, while Deco is out for five weeks after his thigh injury was confirmed. Keep reading →

A poor performance from Barça was duly punished by a far superior Villarreal at El Madrigal this evening. A goal from Cazorla after just two minutes was just the beginning of a frustrating night for Barça. The only good thing in the 90 minutes was a goal from Bojan Krkic who at 17 years and 53 days becomes the youngest player ever to score a league goal for Barça. Keep reading →

Finally, Ronaldinho will definitely not play in tomorrow evening’s game at El Madrigal. Ronnie turned up at Camp Nou this afternoon and wanted to be included in the squad for the game, but Frank Rijkaard has considered it better for him to rest for Tuesday’s match in Glasgow. Keep reading →