FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.06.2007 19:29

A staggered return

Aleix Santacana/Sandra Sarmiento

Frank Rijkaard finally has the entire squad back in training in preparation for Saturday’s match against Espanyol. Thursday saw the return of Ronaldinho, Edmílson, Zambrotta, Deco, Thuram, Puyol and Iniesta.

This was the first time Rijkaard had been able to work with the whole squad since the match against Getafe twelve days ago. On Wednesday, it was the turn of Gio, Saviola, Messi, Gudjohnsen and Eto'o to resume training while today the manager welcomed back Ronaldinho, Zambrotta, Deco, Thuram, Puyol and Iniesta. Edmílson worked out in the gym.

Two days to prepare the derby

Today was the first opportunity to reunite players who had been dispersed around the globe for the best part of two weeks. Under normal circumstances, the coaches would have programmed a light session but with the vital derby just two days away, Frank Rijkaard decided to make full use of the little time available to him to prepare. The session consisted of ball control exercises and circuit training finished off with a practice game. Zambrotta, Thuram, Iniesta and Oleguer did not take part in the final exercise.

Márquez on the mend

Mexican defender Rafa Márquez trained apart with fitness coach Albert Roca. Márquez is still recovering from his leg injury but is expected to rejoin the group in the next few days.

Sylvinho, Oleguer and Belletti

Sylvinho, Oleguer and Belletti all picked up knocks in Tuesday’s final of the Copa Catalunya and missed training on Wednesday, spending the time in the Camp Nou gym. However, they returned to full training today and will be available for Saturday’s match.

Youngsters

For the last week or so, nine players from Barça B plus one from the Youth side, Sergio Busquets, had the good fortune to train together with the senior squad due to the absence of the internationals. They also took part in two competitive matches. With things returning to normal, they were not present at today’s session.