FCBARCELONA.CAT

27.10.2008 12:49

Two reserves in Cup squad

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Nolito and Abraham are in the 16-strong squad for Barça’s Cup match away at Benidorm. Valdés, Márquez, Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta and Messi will not be playing.

Reserve team players Nolito and Abraham have been called up to the 16-man squad for the King’s Cup match at Benidorm. Nolito is a striker signed from Écija this summer, and though not an out-and-out winger Luis Enrique can play him on either side of the attack. He’s started 9 out of Barça Atlètic’s 10 games and found the net twice. Abraham is a utility player who can play in midfield or at full-back. He went to Scotland with the first team in preseason.

Albert Jorquera is also back ten months after suffering a serious injury while playing for Catalonia at San Mamés.

Pep Guardiola has decided to rest Valdés, Márquez, Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta and Messi. Milito, Pedro, Gudjohnsen and Keita will also miss out on the Benidorm trip due to injury.

Back to training

After hammering Almeria, the first team had Sunday off and came back to training this Monday morning at the Miniestadi in a session combining recovery and preparation for the King’s Cup match. Gai Assulin trained normally with the first team.

Those not called up for the Benidorm clash will train this Tuesday at the Miniestadi at 10.30 am.

The team will travel to Benidorm on Tuesday morning to play the away leg of its last 32 Cup tie. Barça also travelled on the day of the match to Murcia last 17 May for its final game of the 2007/08 League season.