FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.09.2007 12:07

Márquez trains before heading off

Berta Brau / Roger Bogunyà

Rafael Márquez trained with FC Barcelona for the last time on Friday before he jets off to join the Mexican national team ahead of their friendly internationals.

The central defender will miss the encoutner with Panama on Sunday, but has been called into appear against Brazil in Boston on September 12 and had to be in the United States for Monday. With no training for the Blaugrana this weekend, Márquez is set to leave and will be the last of the squad's international players to go.

On Friday, Márquez trained with Víctor Valdés, Albert Jorquera, Oleguer, Sylvinho and Santi Ezquerro, as the coaching staff looked on at the small number of first team players still available.

Physical and technical

The session focussed on physical work and technical skills with a ball. One of the exercises was a circuit that tested the strength and endurance capabilities of the players. After completing the course, which was carried out at differing speeds, the players had to shoot at goal to keep Valdés and Jorquera busy. The Blaugrana players also practised long passing and accuracy as well as control and movement.

Puyol out before the rest

Club captain, Carles Puyol, continued his recovery programme as he battles back from a knee ligament injury that he suffered at the end of June. The 29-year-old was put through his paces as he ran continuously as well as lightly kicking a ball before leaving the pitch in front of La Masia, just as the other players came out to begin their session.