FCBARCELONA.CAT

09.05.2007 13:03

Belletti returns to the squad

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Juliano Belletti was given the green light to play again this week and has been included in the FC Barcelona squad for the Copa del Rey semi final against Getafe.

After three weeks out of action with a thigh injury, the Brazilian full-back was declared fit by club medics on Monday for the first time since picking up the knock in the encounter with Real Mallorca on April 15. Frank Rijkaard named Belletti in the 16-man squad for the second leg of the cup tie against Getafe on Thursday.

Out of action

Lionel Messi has been rested for the game along with Lilian Thuram and Santiago Ezquerro. Also not travelling will be Rafael Márquez, Deco and Thiago Motta, as the Dutch coach keeps one eye on Sunday’s crucial league encounter against Real Betis.

Márquez, Deco and Motta were not chosen after being unable to train on Wednesday with the rest of the players. The first two are both carrying slight injuries, while Motta worked in the gym after going on a course of antibiotics to help him overcome an abscess on his right foot that had become infected.

The cup squad

The 16-man squad for the Copa del Rey semi final, second leg against Getafe is: Valdés, Jorquera, Puyol, Xavi, Edmílson, Zambrotta, Iniesta, Eto'o, Belletti, Gudjohnsen, Van Bronckhorst, Saviola, Oleguer, Ronaldinho, Giuly and Sylvinho.