FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.01.2008 12:35

Oier and Edmílson in the squad

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Oier Olazábal and Edmílson are the two novel inclusions in Frank Rijkaard's FC Barcelona squad for the game against Real Mallorca in the Ono Estadi on Saturday.

The young goalkeeper, who made his debut in the Copa del Rey against Alcoyano in midweek, will be back-up for Víctor Valdés, while the search for a replacement for the injured Albert Jorquera continues. It will be the first time that Olazábal has been called up for a league game.

Edmílson back in the league

Edmílson is also included in a league squad for the first time since May 20 last year when Barcelona beat Atlético de Madrid 6-0 in Vicente Calderón when he played 77 minutes. After making his official comeback in midweek in the cup, the Brazilian midfielder will be aiming to impress as Touré Yaya is due to leave for the African Cup of Nations.

Jorquera is out of the squad after undergoing a successful operation earlier in the week to repair ligament and meniscus damage that he suffered playing in a friendly encounter for Catalunya over the festive period. Sylvinho, Santi Ezquerro and Marc Crosas have been rested.

The training session in Camp Nou on Friday morning was held behind closed doors and the injured players continued their road to recovery. Oleguer was present as he carried on with his individual recuperation programme.