FC Barcelona News: 17 November 2011; Internationals Return, Draw for Club World Cup Held

Training session with all the internationals minus Messi, Mascherano and Alexis | FC Barcelona
Barça’s first team squad was almost back to full strength for this Wednesday's training session at the Cuitat Espotiva Joan Gamper as regulars Pinto, Maxwell, Keita and Fontàs were joined by the eight Spanish internationals; French international, Abidal; Brazil's, Dani Alves; and Spain's Under-21 player, Thiago Alcántara.

Tough schedule ahead of World Club Cup | FC Barcelona
The three matches prior to the tournament in Japan could be decisive for Guardiola's team, for the leadership of the League and the Champions League. First they take on Levante at the Camp Nou on Saturday, 3rd of December. Three days later they complete the group stage of the Champions League, at home against BATE. The last of the seven matches prior to the World Club Cup is nothing less than the Clásico in Madrid, at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Club World Cup: Al Sadd or Espérance possible rivals in the semi finals | FC Barcelona
The draw for the quarter finals of the Club World Cup was made this morning in Japan and FC Barcelona will play against the winners of the quarter final game between Al Sadd and Espérance (who play on December 11th ) in the semi final on December 15th in Yokohama.

Thiago Alcántara: "I’m surprised with the amount playing time I've been given. It’s a great surprise" | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona’s midfielder, Thiago Alcántara, said that we wasn’t worries about the so called ‘FIFA virus’ during today’s press conference. Barça is to face Zaragoza this weekend in the League and Alcántara explained that "the fact that we’ve had complications in games after international breaks is fairly random. We’re back and we have the same desire to win as we did before."

Villa and Pique, Barça players with a past in Zaragoza | FC Barcelona
Both players played for Zaragoza, though not at the same time, as the striker was there between 2003 and 2005, and the central defender in the 2006/07 season. They left pleasant memories, as they both participated in memorable Zaragoza milestones.

Leo Messi made his debut for Barça's first team eight years ago | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi’s first game with the FC Barcelona’s first team was on November 16th, 2003. Barça, trained by Frank Rijkaard, was playing in the inaugural game of the Estadio do Dragao, built to host the 2004 Euro Cup, against Jose Mourinho’s FC Porto. One of Barça’s debutants was a seventeen year old youngster, Leo Messi, who at that time played in Barça’s Under-17 side.

A Tribute to Paulino Alcantara " Back Page Football
While much of the talk is currently surrounding the incumbent FIFA World Player of the Year, Lionel Messi having recently netted his 194th goal for FC Barcelona in all competitions making him the 2nd highest scorer for the world’s best club, I decided to take a look at the first.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's new book is height of self-indulgence - Graham Hunter - soccer - ESPN
It is hard to imagine that Maxi Allegri is enraptured with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's insatiable thirst for infamy just at the moment, but whether the AC Milan coach actually dares to point that out to his volatile Swedish striker is quite another thing.

Cristiano Ronaldo & Alvaro Arbeloa miss Real Madrid training - Goal.com
Real Madrid duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Arbeloa missed training on Wednesday because of injuries they picked up on recent international duty. The Spanish giants made the announcement on their official website but did not reveal whether the pair would miss their Primera Division clash with Valencia at Mestalla on Saturday.

Real Madrid's Kaka resumes regular training - Goal.com
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has received some positive news in the build-up to Saturday's La Liga match against Valencia as Kaka has resumed regular training after a spell on the sidelines.

Santos' Neymar: No regrets over Chelsea snub - ESPN Soccernet
Santos forward Neymar says that he is not concerned about rejecting a summer transfer to Chelsea but admits he still wants to play in Europe. Neymar, 19, recently signed a new contract with the Brazilian club, quashing any hopes that the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona or Chelsea had of signing him. And the highly-rated winger claims he is happy where he is for the time being.

Pizzi set to replace injured Falcao - Yahoo! Eurosport
Pizzi could feature in Atletico's La Liga match against Levante on Sunday with Falcao suffering a muscle injury on international duty with Colombia that is set to sideline him for two weeks.