FCBARCELONA.CAT

14.01.2008 20:05

Deco back in the squad

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Deco was given medical clearance on Monday and is the main change to the squad for the game with Sevilla. It is the first game since Eto’o left for the African Nations Cup.

The Portuguese star completed training for the cup encounter without any signs of trouble and was named in Frank Rijkaard’s side to face the Andalusians. But Samuel Eto'o is of course absent, having left to play for Cameroon in the African Nations Cup.

Deco has been having abductor problems since playing in Mallorca on January 5, but is back in time to participate in tonight’s all important cup quarter final second leg at the Camp Nou.

Messi rejoins group

The other good news was the chance to welcome Messi back to training after he picked up an injury against Valencia at Mestalla on December 15. He tore biceps tissue in his left thigh, but is on the road to recovery, as are Abidal and Ezquerro, who had gastroenteritis, and Márquez who stayed in the gym on Sunday.

Ronaldinho and Edmílson still recovering

The injured Edmílson worked out on the Camp Nou turf in the company of a fitness coach, while Ronaldinho joined him as he continues working on a knee problem.

Out of action

As well as Eto'o, other players missing at the Camp Nou tonight are Messi, Oleguer, Ronaldinho, Jorquera and Edmílson, all injured, and Touré Yaya, who is away on international duty for the Ivory Coast. The only first team player not to be included in the squad of 16 is Ezquerro.