29.08.2010 21:08

Barça take no risk with Puyol and Xavi

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Carles Puyol was withdrawn from the FC Barcelona side after picking up a knock in the warm-up and Xavi was substituted after suffering a blow in the 0-3 win against Racing Santander on Sunday evening.

Coach Pep Guardiola named Puyol in his starting line-up but was forced to make a change after the defender felt a twinge in his calf and told the club’s medics. Gerard Piqué was drafted in to take his place.

Xavi began the game but he felt some pain in his Achilles tendon and was withdrawn during the game to be replaced by Pedro. The switch was just precautionary.

No risk

Pep Guardiola explained after the game why he decided to not play Carles Puyol. “Along with the doctors we decided not to risk him,” the coach said. “We cannot lose such important players and prefer to protect them. We would rather that they miss one day rather than suffer an injury that would keep them out for longer.”

Both Puyol and Xavi have been named in the Spain squad. “I am sure the doctors there will be careful with them both,” Guardiola added.