FCBARCELONA.CAT

06.02.2008 10:15

Ten internationals in three games

www.fcbarcelona.cat

FC Barcelona's ten international players are all playing in just three matches: Spain v France, Portugal v Italy and the United States v Mexico.

The majority of Blaugrana players will be appearing in Spain's game against France (21:00) in La Rosaleda in Málaga on Wednesday evening. Six of Frank Rijkaard's squad will be there with three on each side.

Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and Bojan Krkic are in Luis Aragonés squad, while Raymond Domenech has called up Lilian Thuram, Éric Abidal and Thierry Henry.

On opposite sides

Two other Barça stars will also be on opposing teams as Gianluca Zambrotta lines up for Italy in their encounter with Portugal, for whom Deco will be playing, in Zurich, Switzerland. Deco travelled to join up with his international teammates carrying a letter of recommendation from the club's medical staff that states that he should not play the entire game as he is carrying a slight knock.

Early start

The two Mexicans in the Barcelona squad, Rafa Márquez and Giovani Dos Santos, have travelled to the United States to play in their countries encounter with the USA in Houston. As well as undergoing the long trip, the game itself will be played at 3am CET.