24.01.2011 15:02

Options to cover for Puyol

Jesús Carrillo

The possible absence of Carles Puyol from Wednesday’s cup tie at the Camp Nou can be covered in a number of different ways.

If it is indeed confirmed that Pep Guardiola will not be able to count on the Spanish international’s services against Almeria, then Éric Abidal and Sergio Busquets are the most likely substitutes, although there are other options.

Gaby Milito

If Gerard Piqué is fully fit, then he is obviously going to be one of the first choice centre backs for the game that kicks off at 22.00. One man he could team up with is Milito, who has decided not to leave the club during the winter transfer window and started the game with Betis in the previous round..

Bartra and/or Fontàs

There is also the option of using players from the B team. Puyol could be replaced by one of two players that already have first team experience. Fontàs even scored a goal against Rubin Kazan in the Champions League.

Obvious choices

When injury or suspension keep Puyol or Piqué sidelined, Busquets, and most of all Abidal, have generally filled in in the middle of the FCB defence. The Frenchman was given that job against Racing at the weekend and also against Bilbao in the cup, where he also scored his first official goal for the club. Busquets played at centre back in the Camp Nou fixture with Levante.