International friendlies mark final week of preparation ahead of Barça's La Liga debut

The Liga is right around the corner and FC Barcelona are scheduled to kick off the 2012/13 Liga at the Camp Nou against Real Sociedad next Sunday, August 19, at 21.00. Before this weekend’s match, however, many FC Barcelona players will feature in mid-week international friendlies.

A total of 11 first-team players have been named to their respective national teams for the upcoming international friendlies. Therefore, Tito Vilanova will only be able to work with 11 players on Tuesday morning: Puyol, Xavi, Villa, Pinto, Jordi Alba, Adriano, Dos Santos, Montoya, Fontàs, Bartra and Tello.

On Thursday, however, all the international players are due back in Barcelona for the team’s evening training session, with the exception of Alexis Sánchez, who will play for Chile in New York City on the same day. It won’t be until Friday that Tito Vilanova will have his entire squad at his disposal, not counting the injured players, to prepare for the first match of the Liga.

Monday, August 13

Day off

Tuesday, August 14

9.00 Training session

Wednesday, August 15

9.00 Training session

Thursday, August 16

19.00 Training session

Friday, August 17

9.00 Training session

Saturday, August 18

9.00 Training session

Sunday, August 19

21.00 First match of the 2012/13 La Liga season, against Real Sociedad