FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.12.2006 17:49

Saviola in but Edmílson in doubt

Javier Saviola and José Edmílson are at the centre of attention in the Barça camp in Japan. The Argentinian has been given the medical all-clear but the Brazilian is looking unlikely play against America having gone down with a sickness. Doctor Ricard Pruna says he is vomiting and has diarrhoea.

Saviola, who was injured in the league match against Zaragoza is back from his left leg injury and will be available for selection by Frank Rijkaard in tomorrow's match against Mexican side América. The striker joined in today's training session under the watchful eye of club doctor Albert Roca, and was able to play in the end-of-session game, albeit at a slower pace than usual as a precautionary measure. Once the session was over, the medical services declared that the player who has just turned 25 years is back to full fitness.

But the news is not so good regarding José Edmílson. Doctor Ricard Pruna said the player "felt bad immediately after breakfast, He has been vomiting and had diarrhoea and has stayed at the hotel to rest". Unless there is a remarkable recovery, he is unlikely to be playing against the Mexican side.

Saviola back after more than a month

The last time Saviola played was on November 12 when Zaragoza bounced back from behind to win 3-1, with the final goal being scored by the Argentinian himself. In the same game, Lionel Messi broke a metatarsal bone in his left foot and José Edmílson suffered a minor sprain.

Yokohama brings back Brazilian memories

Saviola and the rest of the squad worked out in Yokohama Stadium (also known as the Nissan Stadium), which is a venue that will bring back fond memories for Ronaldinho, Belletti and Edmílson. It was here that Luis Felipe Scolari's Brazil beat Germany to win the country's fifth World Cup title on June 30, 2002.

The Yokohama Stadium was built in 1997, and is home to the Yokohama Marinos, a side that has been coached by two former Barça players and coaches Carles Rexach and Toño de la Cruz. Holding 72,320 spectators, the venue for the 2002 World Cup Final is located six kilometres north of the city centre and is the biggest football stadium in Japan.