Thursday, September 21, 2006

David Villa and Lionel Messi likely to be out of Barca-Valencia game

Even if David Villa (and bad goalkeeping) was the reason Barcelona only got a draw and a loss from their fixtures against Valencia last season, this Barca fan is disappointed to hear that he will most likely not be fit for the table-top clash this time round.

There's a slim chance that he will shake off an ankle injury to start, but it seems increasingly likely given his condition that Villa will start the match on the bench instead. It's a shame since he's my favourite Spanish striker. I know that it's easier for us if he doesn't play, but my desire to see him on the pitch isn't at all born out of arrogance. Just a wish to see a good match between two title contenders, one of whom will fall off the top of the table after this game.

Lionel Messi of Barca, on the other hand, seems to have picked up a knock in his left thign in the game against Racing on Sunday. The club physicians aren't sure if he'll be available for Sunday's game, where he'll probably start on the bench if fit.

Poor Santi Ezquerro also hurt himself slightly in training on Tuesday, but since he's nowhere near a starting place right now (and never ever complains about it, bless him) that isn't going to impact on the make up of the Barca squad.

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