02.05.2007 12:02
Motta and Edmílson given all-clear
Aleix Santacana/Sergi Nogueras
There was double good news at La Masia today, as both Motta and Edmílson were able to train normally and have been declared fully fit. Belletti was also able to join in with some of the session.
Motta and Edmílson have been given the medical all-clear and will be available for selection by
Frank Rijkaard for Saturday’s match with Real Sociedad. The two Brazilian midfielders have
both been out for a few weeks, but joined in with Wednesday’s training session without any
apparent problems. Meanwhile, Belletti is still out with an injury to his right leg, but is
progressing nicely and was able to take part in some of the exercises with the rest of the team.
No Márquez or Messi
The only players absent from the session were Márquez and
Messi. The former is still recovering from the leg injury that meant he missed the Levante game at
the weekend, while the Argentinian is still recovering from the contusion he suffered in that match
and instead received individual treatment, However, there is little to suggest that Messi will not
be able to train as per usual on Thursday with the rest of his colleagues.
Drills, circuits and shots on goal
It was a fairly standard session today, with the usual
warm-up drills followed by a fitness circuit and then a series of shots on goal.
Game without Belletti
The workout ended with a ten-a-side match in which the players were limited to two touches of
the ball. Belletti skipped this part of training and did individual exercises. The teams were made
up of Valdés, Gio, Edmílson, Thuram, Oleguer, Motta, Iniesta, Gudjohnsen, Ezquerro and Saviola in
blue and Jorquera, Sylvinho, Xavi, Puyol, Zambrotta, Deco, Giuly, Ronaldinho, Eto’o in
yellow, with Albert Roca playing in the latter side to help make up the numbers.