FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.12.2009 17:39

Messi completes most of session

Sandra Sarmiento / Vanessa Forns

Messi is recovering well from his sprained ankle. This was evident from the way he was able to join in with most of the second Barça training session in Abu Dhabi.

This morning the Argentinian worked out on the beach in front of the hotel where the squad is staying, and in the afternoon he joined in with almost all of the activities that Josep Guardiola planned at the same venue where the Clubs World Cup semi final will be played: the Zayed Stadium. Following the session, the Club Medical Services will be deciding whether he should be allowed to play in the game against Atlante.

Keita in isolation

Seydou Keita is in a similar situation. The Malian is having trouble with ischiotibials in his right leg. Today he worked out on his own, and like Messi, no official announcement will be made until Wednesday regarding his inclusion in side to take on the Mexicans.

Contact with the venue

Tuesday gave the squad their first taste of the ground where the Clubs World Cup is being played. Having got used to the change in temperature and humidity in Abu Dhabi, the players trained for an hour on the pitch.

Following the usual warm-up drills they did exercises based around speed and ball movement, as well as pressure. They ended with a series of shots on goal, although Messi sat this part out.