FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.09.2007 11:45

Training with the B team

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Frank Rijkaard had only seven first-team players to work with at training on Tuesday, so he joined forces with Barça B for a session in the Miniestadi.

The Dutch coach has lost the majority of his squad due to international commitments as the players have left to prepare for the forthcoming round of Euro 2008 qualifiers. With only Víctor Valdés, Albert Jorquera, Oleguer, Sylvinho, Santi Ezquerro, Gabi Milito and Lionel Messi to count on, Rijkaard linked up with Pep Guardiola to train. Messi and Milito are also due to leave soon as they travel to Australia for a friendly game with the Argentinian national team on September 11.

All the young dudes

As well as the B team players that have already experienced life under Rijkaard, like Marc Crosas, Oier, Thiago, Botía, Gay, Víctor Vázuez and Jeffren, were joined by 12 other players from Guardiola's squad. They included Xavi Torres, Pedro, Rueda, Espasandín, Córcoles, Dimas, Toribio, Emilio, Urbano, Abraham, Eneko and Fali.

Cup squad

The squad for the semi final of the Copa Catalunya against Girona, which takes place on Wednesday evening, will not be named until the morning of the game. The game kicks off at 21:45 in Palamós with the winner progressing to the final that will be played next Tuesday (September 11).