Frank Rijkaard has a choice of three possible substitutes for Toure Yaya while the big man is away with the Ivory Coast national team for the African Cup Of Nations. Toure could miss as many as nine games if the Ivory Coast progress to the semi-finals. He will definitely miss both cup games with Sevilla (9th and 16th Jan) and the league games with Murcia (Jan 12th), Racing (Jan 20th) and Athletic Bilbao (Jan 27th).
If Barça reach the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey then Toure will also definitely miss the first leg of the quarter final against either Villarreal or Recreativo (Jan 23rd). Ivory Coast are drawn in the same African Cup group as Benin, Mali and Nigeria, if they progress to the quarter-finals then Toure will also miss the hypothetical second leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final (Jan 30th) and the league meeting with Osasuna (Feb 3rd). If Ivory Coast get through to the semi-final then Toure will also miss the league game away to Sevilla on February 10th. Whatever happens Toure will definitely be back for the home game in the league with Zaragoza on February 17th. Samuel Eto’o has received permission to stay in Barcelona until after Saturday’s game with Murcia, but his return will also depend on how far Cameroon go in the tournament. Cameroon are drawn in Group C with Egypt, Sudan and Zambia.
Rijkaard will have to choose between Andres Iniesta, Rafa Marquez and Edmilson to replace Toure, and will probably choose according to the opponent’s strengths. If a team looks likely to play defensively then Iniesta may well be chosen to allow Barça a more attacking formation. However, in the tougher games Marquez or Edmilson will probably be picked. The problem with Marquez is that he has formed a successful partnership with Gabi Milito in central defence. If Marquez plays in midfield, Puyol would move back to central defence which would mean a return at right back of either Zambrotta or Oleguer who have both had quite poor seasons so far. Edmilson has only just returned after his lengthy injury and it remains to be seen if he is ready to play twice a week at the level expected at Barça.
Whatever Rijkaard decides, we are sure to miss Toure. Here’s hoping for an early exit for the Ivory Coast.
6 responses so far ↓
Nic // Jan 7, 2008 at 18:28
Youssef Gazia // Jan 7, 2008 at 20:55
I think Edmilson would be the best choice. As you stated before, Gabri and Marquez created a very effective partnership in defence.
Blaugrana // Jan 7, 2008 at 21:32
Edmilson has the most experience in this position what he lacks is just the speed but i think frank will give him the nod
Youssef Gazia // Jan 8, 2008 at 8:45
I have a question.
Why is the Camp nou quiet? Its one of the biggest staduims in Europe. I think the lack of fan support affect the results. Personally, ive been to warmups that have been louder.
Nic, as an English man, i know that you can answer my question cause English people are one of the best fans in the world.
Blaugrana // Jan 8, 2008 at 14:06
Or sometimes its the claxons that are so irritating,
Nic // Jan 8, 2008 at 23:18
Youssef - Another excellent question. If I had time tonight to write another article I would, but I’ve had a couple of busy days. I could probably write a small book in reply looking at all the historical and cultural influences. Maybe I’ll write an article on this subject soon. For now I will just say that when Camp Nou is full and the crowd have something to cheer, it can be deafening. Unfortunately, for many games it isn’t full, and yes it can be frustrating if you are used to a more vocal support.
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