19.11.2010 12:52

Pinto the only doubt for Almería

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Josep Guardiola has named a 19-man squad for the trip to Almería that does not include Éric Abidal or Jeffren Suárez, but does contain José Manuel Pinto, Thiago Alcántara, Andreu Fontàs and Sergi Gómez, who all face late fitness tests.

The FC Barcelona coach called up all the players for the journey south and will decide ahead of the game who will be named in the team and on the bench. Pinto is struggling to overcome a heavy cold and did not train on Friday, instead being told to go home and rest. Depending on his progress on Saturday morning Pinto may even be replaced in the squad by young shot-stopper Oier Olázabal.

Rested players

Three Barça B players have been included as well with defender Fontàs and Sergi being joined by midfielder Thiago in the ranks. Abidal and Jeffren have been rested by Guardiola. Abidal has a slight injury that he picked up while playing for France against England, Guardiola explained in his press conference. The trainer will have to decide on the day of the game which player will not be included in the 18-man list for the game.

Piqué trains

Gerard Piqué was deemed fit to travel with the squad as he trained without any problems on Friday with the rest of the squad. The central defender has overcome a hamstring strain that he felt during Spain’s encounter with Portugal in midweek that meant the was put through a recovery schedule on Thursday in training.

Four youngsters

Fontàs, Sergi, Thiago and Oier all trained with the first team squad on Friday as Guardiola took the session alongside 17 regulars. The workout focused on strategy and tactics that will be employed against Almería.

Gym work

Gaby Milito continued his recuperation from a leg injury as he worked in the club gymnasium at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.