FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.04.2010 19:05

Defenders called in to strengthen options

Jordi Clos

Barca’s Monday evening training saw young defenders Fontàs, Bartra and Thiago join the squad as Guardiola looked at his defensive options ahead of the Inter game– Puyol is suspended, Chygrynsky cup tied and Abidal is doubtful.

In a more demanding session than Sunday’s recovery from the Jerez game, the whole squad trained, with the exception of Iniesta, with Abidal working on his own with a trainer as he fights to be fit for Wednesday. Barca Atletic defenders Andreu Fontàs, Marc Bartra and Thiago Alcántara also joined the session as the boss searches for options to cover Putol and Chygrynsky’s absences.

UEFA control

UEFA medical staff were also at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper to carry out routine anti-doping tests, with Valdés, Pinto, Abidal, Maxwell, Milito, Pedro, Jeffren, Messi, Touré and Busquets getting tested.

The first quarter of an hour of the session was open to the press and keepers Valdés and Pinto worked out with Juan Carlos Unzué, whilst Abidal did some ball work on his own.

Tuesday at the Nou Camp

The team will train at six on Tuesday at the Nou Camp, with Pep Guardiola and a player speaking to the press beforehand.