Barça trained this Friday morning in preparation for Sunday’s match against Betis at the Camp Nou (21.00). The main absentees were Leo Messi and Víctor Valdés. The Argentinian, who sat out the game with Bayern Munich, did physiotherapy on his own. Tito Vilanova had explained after the Wednesday night’s match that Messi “noticed a strange feeling against Athletic” and although there was no injury, the club decided that it would be too great a risk for him to play “because any explosive effort could cause a breakage”.
Valdés also trained on his own today. For that reason, Tito Vilanova called on the services of Barça B goalkeeper Oier Olazábal.
Abidal and Sergio in action
Meanwhile, Sergio Busquets and Éric Abidal were present for the training session. The Frenchman, who missed the Champions League semi-final with a calf injury, took part normally, while Sergio Busquets, who was also side-lined against Bayern, this time with groin trouble, was able to join in with some of the exercises.
Javier Mascherano also made an appearance on the training ground, but did not work out with the rest of the squad.
The team is preparing for the match with Betis on Saturday, and will train again tomorrow at the Ciutat Esportiva at 11.00. Afterwards, Tito Vilanova will be giving a press conference.
