FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.02.2009 14:04

Puyol not fit for Betis

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Carles Puyol has not been included in the FC Barcelona to face Real Betis Balompié because he has yet to fully recover from an injury sustained last week. Rafa Márquez is in however after returning from international duty on Friday.

All week Puyol has worked on his own in a bid to be given the green light to play on Sunday after picking up a muscular injury in his left leg against Sporting de Gijón last weekend. The blow meant that he also had to withdraw from the Spain squad to face England on Wednesday and he is now set to miss Barça’s match with Betis.

Márquez returns

Márquez was the last player to return from international duty when he was present at training on Friday in the Ciutat Esportiva. The Mexican defender has been included in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the trip to Sevilla. Both he and Gerard Piqué missed the game last Sunday against Sporting through suspension.

Seydou Keita, who also missed the last league match, is another player named in the squad.

Stepping down

While Puyol and Gaby Milito are both injured, Víctor Sánchez and Pedro have also been left out so that they can play for Barça Atlètic against Denia on Sunday.