FCBARCELONA.CAT

06.01.2008 12:17

Henry and Edmílson back in the fold

David Puig

Thierry Henry and Edmílson both returned to legue action against on Saturday evening in the victory over Real Mallorca after they recovered from long-term spells on the sidelines.

The duo reappeared in the game in the Ono Estadi as Henry entered the game in the 64th minute after six weeks out of action and the Brazilian midfielder followed him out with 20 minutes of the game remaining for his first appearance in la Primera since the end of last season. Both players proved that they have completely overcome their respective injuries.

Edmílson returns

Edmílson made his return to football in midweek as he played the entire 90 minutes in the Copa del Rey game against Alcoyano and after coming through that encounter without any effects, was included in the squad. He did almost miss out, however, after being struck down with a virus, but was able to recover in time for Frank Rijkaard to use him in the win.

The medication allowed Edmílson to take his place on the bench and he was put on in the 70th minute of the match in place of Touré Yaya. The former Lyon star had not played a league match since May 26 last year when Barça defeated Getafe 1-0 in Camp Nou.

Henry impresses

Henry returned to action after more than six weeks on the treatment table with a back problem. The French international's last game was on November 24 when Barcelona defeated Recreativo 3-0 at home. After being given the green light in the week leading up to the visit of Real Madrid, Henry remained as an unused substitute in el Clásico. A migraine then saw him unable to play against Alcoyano, but against Mallorca he was able to come on and play for 26 minutes.

In the short time that he had on the pitch, Henry had a goal disallowed and then produced a piece of individual brilliance to create a shooting chance which he took, only to be denied by a flying save from Germán Lux in the Mallorca goal. The Frenchman will be required to be at his best when Samuel Eto'o departs to play for Cameroon in the African Cup of Nations.