FCBARCELONA.CAT

28.03.2008 12:31

Puyol included against Betis

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Carles Puyol has finally been included in the squad that will face Betis on Saturday. Giovani and Ezquerro also get their chance, while Pedrito and Víctor Vázquez have been dropped.

The Barça captain took part in Friday’s training session behind closed doors at the Camp Nou, and is available for selection by Frank Rijkaard for Saturday night’s clash with Betis. He took a knock to the ankle during the Spain v Italy friendly midweek and took tests on Thursday on an injury that may be causing pain but offers no reason why he should not be able to play in the weekend’s league match.

Giovani and Ezquerro are back

Giovani and Ezquerro are the main changes to the side that beat Valladolid. The last time Giovani played in the league was against Villarreal at the Camp Nou (March 9), while Ezquerro has not played since Barça v Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey (January 2).

That means there are no places for reserve team players Pedrito and Víctor Vázquez.

Márquez and Milito in Camp Nou

Two of the injured players, Rafa Márquez and Gaby Milito, worked out in the stadium this Friday in the session that got under way at 11.00 am. The players were accompanied by a fitness coach as they continue to work on getting over their respective injuries.