FCBARCELONA.CAT

20.04.2008 12:30

Getting ready for the semi-finals

Sandra Sarmiento / Jordi Clos

The squad has been training, focussing on the Champions League semi-finals which start this Wednesday.

Leaving the derby behind, the squad has been training this Sunday morning focussing entirely on the coming Champions League semi-final against Manchester United this Wednesday in Nou Camp. The aim of the session was mainly for post-match recovery, and the players involved in the Espanyol game were the first to return to the changing rooms.

After warming up, Xavi, Puyol, Eto'o and Iniesta left the session, whilst Bojan, Zambrotta and Touré Yaya did exercises on the sidelines with one of the first team trainers. The remaining players, after a few laps, worked in pairs on long passes and did various obstacle circuits.

A kick-around in the rain

The session ended with a short-but-intense kick-around between teams consisting of Valdés, Messi, Marquez, Edmílson and Giovani on one side and Pinto, Deco, Gudjohnsen, Ezquerro and Abidal on the other. Towards the end of the session, the rain made its presence felt.

Ronaldinho, Oleguer and Jonquera were absent through injury, and Henry is still suffering from a fever. Thuram had permission of leave due to a family matter.