FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.09.2007 12:45

The first internationals jet off

Sergi Nogueras/Anna Segura

The first team squad trained on Monday morning after their 3-1 win against Athletic Club Bilbao. A number of players were already on their way to join up with their national squads.

However, Ronaldinho, Touré, Messi, Milito, Deco, Xavi and Iniesta all turned up for training today as they will not be joining their national squads until later in the week.

Six players missing

The French trio of Thuram, Henry and Abidal, Mexican striker Giovani, Icelandic striker Gudjohnsen and Italian defender Zambrotta were all missing today from training due to their international commitments. A further eight Barca players will be leaving to join their national squads over the next few days.

Meanwhile, Rafa Márquez also had permission from the Club to be absent from training today.

Barça B

Manager Frank Rijkaard called up six youngsters from Barça B to make up the numbers in training and give them a taste of the senior squad: Oier Olazábal, Botía, Thiago, Jeffren, Gai Assulin and Víctor Vázquez. The squad is preparing these days for Wednesday’s Catalan Cup semi-final against Girona.

Puyol, on the field at La Masia

Carles Puyol was also present at the La Masía training grounds to day where he did some jogging as part of his recovery programme.

The players who took part in yesterday’s match against Bilbao did some light warm down exercises focussed on ball control work, stretching exercises and other physical exercises. Oleguer trained separately from the group and did some jogging. Ronaldinho remained a few minutes longer than the rest of Sunday night’s team while the rest of the squad continued with more ball control exercises, ending up with a practice game.