FC Barcelona News: 20 December 2011; Seven Players Start Holidays Early, David Villa's Surgery a Success

Spain's David Villa facing Euro 2012 fitness battle after surgery - ESPN Soccernet
"The chances [of him playing this season] are slim, but it cannot be ruled out,'' Dr. Cugat said. "The timetable of four to five months is tight, yet there is hope. He has his goal to reach. He is keen to be able to play in the both the Champions League final and the European Championships. He wants it all."

Villa: "You'll see me on the football field soon" | FC Barcelona
On his recovery, Villa said, "my head has been recovering for two hours. I’ll start to rehabilitate this leg soon. I’m really looking forward to getting well so I can return and fight on the pitch." He added, "with a lot of work and with people's help, you’ll see me on the football field soon, enjoying myself like I did before."

Messi, Alves, Alexis, Mascherano, Adriano, Maxwell and Keita start holidays early | FC Barcelona
The Argentinians Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano, Brazilians Dani Alves, Adriano Correia and Maxwell, Chilean Alexis Sánchez and Seydou Keita from Mali have all been given an early start to their Christmas break, which they will return from for training on the afternoon of December 29th.

FC Barcelona returns home after nine days of travel | FC Barcelona
After almost 13 hours of travel time the World Champions’ airplane touched down in Barcelona at 18.00 hrs. The team’s trip, which started with beating Real Madrid at the Bernabéu and finished with the Club World Cup crown, came to an end after nine days away from home.

Guardiola´s decision on Neymar, says Barca president - Soccerway
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell said it is up to coach Pep Guardiola to decide whether or not to add Santos attacker Neymar to the squad. "Do I want to sign Neymar? That decision is up to the coach. I'm only the president," Rosell told A Tribuna.

Ajax's Gregory Van der Wiel reveals Valencia deal agreed - ESPN Soccernet
Ajax full-back Gregory van der Wiel says that he has agreed terms on a move to Spanish side Valencia and that he wants to move in the summer on a five-year deal. "The clubs are still negotiating, but I expect them to reach an agreement," Van der Wiel told Eredivisie Live. "I have already spoken with Valencia and have agreed terms. If everything goes according to plan, I will sign a five-year deal."

Atletico Madrid to sack coach Gregorio Manzano after midweek Copa del Rey clash - report - Goal.com
The 55-year-old Spaniard only arrived at the Vicente Calderon in the summer and has guided the Rojiblancos into the knockout stages of the Europa League. However, Sunday’s tame 2-0 defeat at home to Real Betis has left Atletico 10th in the Primera Division standings, a staggering 21 points behind leaders and city rivals Real Madrid.

Villarreal's Nilmar nearing January move to Roma - agent - Goal.com
The agent of Villarreal forward Nilmar has claimed that his client is on the verge of signing for Roma.The Giallorossi reportedly had a €22 million bid for the Brazilian rejected over the summer but the player’s representative, Orlando da Hora, claimed last month that talks were ongoing with the Serie A side and he has now revealed that an agreement has almost been reached.

Sevilla president Del Nido sentenced to prison - ESPN Soccernet
Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for his role in the embezzlement of public funds in the southern Spanish town of Marbella. The offences took place between 1999 and 2003 when Del Nido worked as lawyer and he will also have to pay the Marbella town hall €2.7 million in compensation.

Liga - Nadal family sell Mallorca shares - Yahoo! Eurosport
Tennis world number two Rafa Nadal and his uncle Miguel Angel Nadal sold their 10 per cent shareholding in Real Mallorca.German businessman Utz Claassen bought the shares to increase his stakeholding to 20 per cent.