FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.02.2008 17:30

Jorquera rewarded

Sergi Nogueras

Albert Jorquera has been rewarded for his consistency and hard work with a new deal at FC Barcelona and that will lift him as he comes back from injury.

The Blaugrana's back-up goalkeeper has 21 officials with the first team after being given his debut by Frank Rijkaard. In fact, Jorquera is one of 26 young players that have been given their first appearance at the highest level by the Dutch coach.

Debut date

Jorquera made his debut during the 2003-04 campaign as he played in the 1-1 draw with Athletic Club in Camp Nou on January 17 2004. Since then he has played 20 more matches in five seasons and appeared in four different competitions. He has played in seven league games, eleven Copa del Rey matches, two Champions League outings and one Spanish Super Cup match.

Two games

This season, Jorquera played twice before picking up an injury over the Christmas period. His first outing this term came against Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey, which Barça won 3-0. The second was in the Champions League as Rijkaard's side had already secured top spot in the group before entertaining VFB Stuttgart in Camp Nou.

Injury time

The worst moment in Jorquera's career came on December 29 when he broke the cruciate ligament in his right knee. Four days later he underwent surgery and has since been told that it will take six months to recover from.