Valdés out against Catalonia

The Catalonia players that will be appearing in tonight’s game with Nigeria were the first to return to work after the holiday. The only absentee was Víctor Valdés, who has plantar fasciitis in his left foot and won’t be playing for Catalonia. The Club has already reported the injury to the Catalan Football Federation.

Puyol, Piqué, Montoya, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Tello, Bartra and Sergi Roberto all trained today from 11.00 at the Ciutat Esportiva, shortly before going off to join the rest of the Catalan team.

Tito Vilanova, at the Ciutat Esportiva

Manager Tito Vilanova is on the road to recovery from his operation on December 20 and went to the Ciutat Esportiva to speak to the players at the morning session.

There will be further activity this evening in Sant Joan Despí. At 18.00, and behind closed doors, there will be a second training session featuring the rest of the first team squad. The main focus will be on the forthcoming derby with Espanyol on January 6. Valdés is expected to be there to do recovery work.