FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.10.2008 11:57

Getting back to normal

www.fcbarcelona.cat

This week Barça’s first team squad will gradually get back to normal business as players return from international duty. There are eight international fixtures this week featuring Barça players.

After a week with many players away and a weekend with no League games, Barcelona will soon be getting back to normal business as its international stars return.

Three already released

Three of the players called up for international duty at the start of last week have already been released. Keita, Eto'o and Touré Yaya only had one international fixture lined up and so they are expected to return tomorrow Tuesday.

Daily training

Barça’s first team will be back at work today at 5.30 pm in the Miniestadi with a session that begins preparations for the club’s next League fixture. Manager Pep Guardiola has planned daily sessions this week. From Monday to Thursday the squad will train in the Miniestadi in the afternoons, while on Friday they will switch to the Camp Nou at 11 am. The Camp Nou will also host the last session on Saturday morning before the team heads off to the Basque Country on Saturday afternoon.

Eight games with Barça players

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week eight international games will be played featuring a total of 14 Barça players.

Three matches on Tuesday

Spain’s under-21 side is to play a European Championship qualifying match against Switzerland. France with Henry and Abidal are taking on Tunisia while Uruguay and Martín Cáceres are playing Bolivia.
Other five on Wednesday

The other games featuring Barça players are on Wednesday, all of them being qualification matches for the 2010 World Cup. Spain with Puyol, Xavi and Iniesta are playing Belgium, while Gudjohnsen may once again captain Iceland against Macedonia. Mexico is taking on Canada, though Rafa Márquez will not be able to play as he’s suspended. Argentina and Leo Messi are to play Chile, while the fifth game is Brazil against Colombia.