...
...
Next Story

Barca rest key players for Wednesday's final

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has rested eight regulars to keep them fresh for Champions League final against Arsenal.

Updated on: May 13, 2006 01:03 PM IST
None | By , Madrid
Prefer HTon Google
Advertisement

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has rested eight regulars for the Primera Liga clash with Sevilla on Saturday to keep them fresh for Wednesday's Champions League final against Arsenal.

HT Image
HT Image

Brazilian forward Ronaldinho, leading scorer Samuel Eto'o and French winger Ludovic Giuly were left out of the squad. Deco, Carles Puyol, Edmilson, Rafael Marquez and Giovanni van Bronckhorst joined them.

Spain midfielder Xavi was included to help him regain full match fitness and a place in Luis Aragones's squad for the World Cup, which will be announced on Monday.

"When I injured myself I never thought I would be fit if we got to the Champions League final but now the coach knows I am ready for anything," Xavi said.

"The Sevilla game will be another good chance for me to gain more match practice," he added.

Champions Barcelona have nothing left to play for in the league. UEFA Cup winners Sevilla still have a chance of qualifying for next year's Champions League.

Saturday's game in the Sanchez Pizjuan is the rescheduled match from April 23 that had to be abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch.

 
Check India news real-time updates, latest news on Hindustan Times and more across India.
Check India news real-time updates, latest news on Hindustan Times and more across India.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON