FCBARCELONA.CAT

20.01.2010 11:44

Keita rejoins squad on Thursday

Marc Guillén / Anna Segura

Seydou Keita, whose Mali team has been eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations, is due back in training on Thursday. Meanwhile, his team-mates went through their paces at the Joan Gamper Sports City on Wednesday morning.

The return of the African midfielder just two days before Barça travel to Valladolid’s Nuevo José Zorrilla will be welcome news for Josep Guardiola. Keita has missed the month of January due to his international commitments but should now rejoin his team-mates in training on Thursday. Barça’s other African star, Touré, is still involved in the tournament with Ivory Coast.

Andreu Fontàs

However, with Sergio Busquets out due to a kidney injury, Guardiola has called up reserve team midfielder Andreu Fontàs. The young player has experience in both central defence and midfield with Barça Atlètic and the youth teams.

Jeffren’s birthday

Finally, Jeffren celebrates his 22nd birthday on Wednesday. He took a full part in training today but has still not been given the all clear by Club doctors.