FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.03.2008 12:41

Thursday training

Berta Brau / Jordi Clos

The squad trained on Thursday morning with a number of players absent due to injury. Ronaldinho was unable to train with the group due to a muscle niggle.

Training took place on Thursday morning for the 16 available players at La Masía with thoughts very much on next Sunday’s league match against Almería. Frank Rijkaard put the emphasis on circuits to improve strength, speed and stamina.

Ronaldinho muscle niggle

Of the group that took part in training on Wednesday, Ronaldinho was the only one absent from today’s session due to a slight muscle twinge. However, Touré Yaya was able to work out in the gym and should rejoin the rest of the group on Friday. Meanwhile, Deco, Giovani, Ezquerro and Márquez are continuing with their recovery treatment.

More circuit training

The group, with Oleguer participating fully, started off with warm-up exercises, stretching and the usual short passing exercises. This was followed by a number of circuits to improve strength, speed and stamina, some of them with the ball (in the same vein as yesterday’s session). At this point Sylvinho, who had felt unwell all morning, had to leave the session.

Training matches

The session finished up with a number of short training matches. The players divided up into three groups with the group scoring first winning the right to continue against the third team.

The teams were: Thuram, Bojan, Zambrotta and Edmílson (orange); Xavi, Gudjohnsen, Eto'o and Oleguer (green); Henry, Iniesta, Puyol and Abidal (without bibs). Milito did not take part. Valdés caused a fright when he collided heavily with Thuram but both players were able to continue without problems.