Frank Rijkaard has named a list of 16 players for tomorrow’s second leg cup game with Alcoyano (kick off 6pm local time), and there is no place for Ronaldinho who has tendonitis is his left leg. Also missing are Thierry Henry who has been suffering with migraine and Gianluca Zambrotta who has flu. Leo Messi and Oleguer Presas are both still recovering from their injuries, while Albert Jorquera will undergo surgery on his knee ligaments on Thursday.
The good news is the return of Jose Edmilson after six months on the sidelines, he will be hoping to gain some match fitness as he stands a chance of being Toure Yaya’s replacement when Toure leaves for the African Cup. There should also be a debut for 18-year-old Oier Olazabal in goal. Oier isn’t likely to have much to do against Alcoyano but the experience of playing at Camp Nou will no doubt be good for him. Youngsters Victor Sanchez and Marc Valiente are also in the squad and will probably be given some valuable minutes to show the home crowd what they can do. With a three goal advantage from the first leg Rijkaard has given Iniesta, Toure, Marquez, Milito and Eto’o a rest with an eye on Saturday’s league match at Mallorca (8pm kick off).
The 16 players named for tomorrow’s match are: Valdés, Oier, Puyol, Thuram, Edmilson, Sylvinho, Abidal, Xavi, Marc Crosas, Deco, Gudjohnsen, Giovani, Bojan, Ezquerro, Víctor Sanchez, Marc Valiente.
3 responses so far ↓
Jay Maniyar // Jan 2, 2008 at 17:24
Let’s hope we start the year with a bang. It’s necessary. It might just kickstart the year. Ronnie’s absence isn’t a major worry, especially in the current context. Henry - well, he should have gained match fitness in this game……
Nic // Jan 2, 2008 at 17:46
Barça starting XI: Oier, Víctor Sánchez, Thuram, Puyol, Sylvinho, Deco, Edmílson, Gudjohnsen, Giovani, Bojan, Ezquerro
Titi186 // Jan 2, 2008 at 20:31
I agree with Jay, Henry and Ronnie really could of done the match fitness (henry) and the confidence booster against mediocre opposition (Ronnie and to some extent Titi).
Yet again Barca fans have to make do with an Henry who is short of match fitness and doesnt have the chance to link up with his good freind Eto’o.
When Henry is fit and Eto’o back from the ACN, you will see a great Barca especially with Leo and Ronnie (or Iniesta) on the flanks providing service to the front two. Only then will Barca become great again and Madrid will be back where they belong, in second place!
Have a good new year to all you on Barca news!
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