FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.02.2009 12:30

Keita trains at the Ciudad Deportiva

Berta Brau / Jordi Clos

Seydou Keita was one of eight first team players to train on Wednesday at FC Barcelona after reaching an agreement with the Mali national team not to play in their game this week.

The midfielder was at the Cuitat Esportiva Joan Gamper with the rest of his team-mates that have no international commitments to be put through his paces. Keita was initially called up for the Mali squad to face Angola in a friendly in France, but after speaking with the coach he was given permission to return to Barcelona

Keita suffered a strong blow to his right knee in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter finals against Espanyol last month and has not played since.

Anoth player that was unable to play in midweek is Carles Puyol and he trained at the complex in Sant Joan Despí away from the rest of th players. The Blaugrana captain went through his paces without any problems as he looks to recover from a muscle injury.

Youth team

The eight members of the first team that trained on pitch number two at the training ground were Víctor Valdés, José Manuel Pinto, Albert Jorquera, Sylvinho, Víctor Sánchez, Pedro, Aliaksandr Hleb and Keita. All of them combined with the you team, although after the warm-up exercises the three goalkeepers worked with Juan Carlos Unzué on their own on pitch one. Gaby Milito was also present as he continued his recuperation from a knee injury.

Pep Guardiola directed the session and Luis Enrique also worked with the players. Botía and Rubén Miño were present the morning after appearing for Spain’s Under-21 team on Tuesday.