FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.03.2007 16:06

Returning to work on Monday

Frank Rijkaard has used the break from league action to give those FC Barcelona players not set to represent their countries some time off to rest and recuperate. The squad are not due back into training until Monday morning.

After a typical week of training sessions in the run-up to an international weekend, the Dutch coach has decided not to demand too much of the players that have been at Camp Nou. With a host of Euro 2008 and African Nations' Cup qualifiers, as well as friendlies, leaving the number of players at the coach's disposal limited, there will be no training until 11:00 on Monday morning.

Preparing for Depor

Once back on the pitch in front of La Masia, the remaining players will begin preparations for the game against Deportivo the following weekend. The club has ten representatives away on international duty and they will not return until Thursday. Xavi, Carles Puyol and Andrés Iniesta will line up for Spain against Eidur Gudjohnsen's Iceland at the Bernabéu on Wednesday. Gianluca Zambrotta is set to play for Italy against Scotland, while Lilian Thuram will play for France against Austria in a friendly.

More internationals

Some of the non-European Barça stars are also in action as Ronaldinho plays for Brazil against Ghana on Tuesday before Rafael Márquez appears for Mexico in Oakland against Ecuador the following evening. Samuel Eto'o will lead Cameroon's attack in their game against Liberia.