27.08.2010 17:28

All set for Segona A debut

David Puig

Barça B have travelled to Vigo for their opening game in the Segona A on Saturday against Celta. Luis Enrique is missing Víctor Vázquez, Rochina and Cristian Tello for the opener.

Twelve years after being relegated, Barça B are back in the Spanish second tier and they begin their campaign with a tough game against one of the league's big boys, Celta Vigo. Luis Enrique has taken 18 players for the game at Balaidos which kicks off at 18.00, including Fontàs, Thiago and Jonathon Dos Santos who played against Milan in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday.

Injuries

Víctor Vázquez with a calf injury, Rubén Rochina with gastroenteritis and Cristian Tello who is still recovering from the injury he picked up on the Tour of Asia, are all missing from the squad, whilst Luis Enrique also decided to leave Masip, Armando, Martí Riverola and Cuenca, in Barcelona, along with Dalmau, Sergi Roberto and Muniesa, who didn't arrive back from the International SBS Tournament in Shizuoka, where they had been representing the Spanish Under 19s until Wednesday.

Excitement in the camp

It's a tough start to the new experience of second tier football, but the team are excited about the coming season and assistant coach Joan Barberà explained: “there's a great atmosphere of excitement and euphoria in the dressing room. The lads have shown a great attitude and are really keen to go out and play”.

Barbarà stressed that Celta are a footballing team with “quality players, some of whom are still young and have come up through their youth system and some of whom are more experienced. They like to play the ball out from the back and take the initiative in the game”.

Captains named

The four Barça B captains have also been named: Víctor Vázquez takes over from Rueda as captain with Armando as vice captain and Fontàs and Jonathan Soriano as third and fourth captains.