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Alves back in squad for Rayo clash | FC Barcelona
Tito Vilanova has called up 18 players for the game against Rayo Vallecano this Saturday night, with Dani Alves back in the squad after doctors gave him the medical okay today following the muscle injury he picked up against Real Madrid. Busquets, who was serving a European ban and missed the Glasgow Celtic game, is also back.
Tito Vilanova: "this is the toughest trip so far" | FC Barcelona
On the eve of his team’s trip to Rayo, Tito Vilanova warned his players of the dangers they face against a team who are sitting 12th, but only three points adrift of the European places: "the trip to Rayo is the toughest trip so far. Paco Jémez has done a great job. It won’t be easy for us to come out with the ball, because they are a very adventurous side".
Meet Marc Bartra, Barcelona's new Pique and the man who upset Messi - Goal.com
His patience has finally been rewarded. Marc Bartra had been persistently praised by Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova in recent weeks, but largely ignored by the Catalan coach - despite the club's crisis in central defence.
Barca’s €10m deposit on Neymar | Football Espana
Barcelona are reported to have already paid €10m as a first instalment for Brazilian talent Neymar, ahead of a total €40m transfer. Both Barca and Real Madrid have been continually linked with Santos’ latest attacking talent, but Catalan-based publication Sport believe that the Camp Nou outfit have an important advantage.
Real's youth neglect saddens Guti | Football Espana
"It sends out a bad message, when you are there in the subsidiary ready to help the first team and you are not chosen," he told EFE. "Essien is a player who gives everything and Mourinho knows him well. I take my hat off to him, but it is not his position. Objections should be raised not with the player, but with the Coach for putting him there."
New Isco contract close | Football Espana
Isco’s long-term future at Malaga looks likely to be secured in the coming days, thanks to Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani’s presence at the club. The owner has recently come back into the picture and has declared that investment will return to the team in a month that he is also due to pay a further instalment on money owed to the players.
Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino suggests Simao is welcome to leave | Sky Sports
Mauricio Pochettino has stated that he will not stand in the way of Simao Sabrosa if he wants to leave Espanyol after being left out of the squad for this weekend. The Blanc i Blau boss has omitted the former Barcelona and Benfica star for the third consecutive time as Malaga prepare to visit Cornella-El Prat on Saturday.