FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.06.2007 11:30

Ronaldinho trains with the squad

Aleix Santacana / Berta Brau

FC Barcelona's players continued their preparations for the final game of the league season at training on Wednesday as the session was moved forward half an hour to avoid the scorching temperatures in the Catalan capital.

Frank Rijkaard had 20 players at his disposal for the midweek routine as Ronaldinho returned to the squad having trained in the gymnasium on Tuesday. Edmílson remained in the gym as he continues his recovery programme from a knee injury. Eidur Gudjohnsen was also absent from the session with a problem in his left knee. The Icelandic international worked in the gym before undergoing a series of tests to evaluate the extent of the injury.

Normal start

The Wednesday training programme began with the usual series of warm-ups and ball games. Rijkaard played an active role in the session before allowing his players to continue with speed training that saw the squad race through a circuit before shooting at goal.

Small-sided games

Then a series of small-sided games were played with the quad divided up into three teams. In the blue bibs were Juliano Belletti, Leo Messi, Andrés Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Ronaldinho and Oleguer. Wearing green were Lilian Thuram, Javier Saviola, Xavi, Santi Ezquerro, Gio Van Bronckhorst and Gianluca Zamrbotta. Finally, in the yellow bibs were Samuel Eto'o, Ludovic Giuly, Deco, Sylvinho, Rafa Márquez and Thiago Motta. The exercise was used to create an intense level of play with one side having to sit back and defend. The turnaround was very swift, ensuring that no players were sitting on the sidelines for long.

Surprise, surprise

The Barça squad also received a surprise visitor on Wednesday as the doctors from the Real Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) paid a visit to carry out a blood test as part of the routine anti-doping programme.