FCBARCELONA.CAT

02.05.2008 12:53

Three missing from training

Sandra Sarmiento/Roger Bogunyà

Three first team players missed training on Friday with Gaby Milito, Andrés Iniesta and Edmílson all missing the session in the Miniestadi. As has become the norm, the practice began behind closed doors in the build-up to the weekend match.

Milito and Iniesta did not train because they are both carrying knocks, with the latter set to undergo more tests to determine the problem with his left knee. For the Argentinian defender, he has a pain in his right knee and is set to be given a personal recovery plan. Edmílson was also absent after being given permission to stay away by the club because he had a personal matter to deal with. Ronaldinho and Albert Jorquera were the other two not in attendance.

Three groups

After completing the warm-ups and ball game, the squad carried out a series of physical exercises with the ball under the attentive eye of the Blaugrana coaching staff, among whom was Carles Busquets in place of goalkeeping coach Juan Carlos Unzué who is on a course in Madrid.

The players then divided into three groups and played a small-sided game with the winner staying on. José Manuel Pinto and Víctor Valdés were the only two that did not participate. The teams were made up as follows:

Orange bibs: Touré, Henry, Gudjohnsen, Abidal, Eto'o and Thuram.
Yellow bibs: Xavi, Oleguer, Ezquerro, Bojan, Puyol and coach Albert Roca.
Blue bibs: Messi, Márquez, Giovani, Zambrotta, Sylvinho and Deco.

Opening up

Towards the end of the session, the gates were opened to allow the media and public into watch and the 100 or so fans outside were able to see their heroes being put through their paces from the stands.