FC Barcelona News: 12 April 2012; Afellay Given Medical Green Light, Abidal Recovering After Transplant

Afellay given medical clearance to play | FC Barcelona
Ibrahim Afellay received the news that he’s been eagerly awaiting for most of the season this Wednesday afternoon. The Club’s Medical Services gave the Dutchman medical clearance to play after being injured for 6 months and 21 days. The player is back in Josep Guardiola’s team ahead of the most decisive stretch of the season.

Abidal recovering well after transplant - Yahoo! Eurosport
"Today could be a great one all round, because we know that Abidal and his cousin (Gerard, the donor) are recovering well after the operation," Barca president Sandro Rosell said on Wednesday. "I can't say anything more than this because the family have specifically asked us not to say any more."

Alexis and Pedro, back to goal-scoring form | FC Barcelona
Good news for FC Barcelona. Two of the team’s strikers, Alexis Sánchez and Pedro Rodríguez, are back in the business of scoring goals as Barça gets ready to face the most decisive stretch of the season. Yesterday, against Getafe, was the first time this season that both players netted for FC Barcelona in the same game.

Scolari '90 per cent' certain Barcelona will beat Chelsea - Goal.com
"Barcelona has a 90 per cent chance in the Champions League tie against Chelsea," the Brazilian told COM Radio. "Barcelona are the favourites. But then the favourites still have to win on the field." Scolari, though, feels that the other semi-final showdown, between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, is almost too close to call.

Graham Hunter -- Why Valencia deserves your respect -- Pep Guardiola's future at Barcelona -- ESPN
What Valencia is achieving is a football miracle and, to boot, it sometimes plays wonderfully. Those among its support who cannot temporarily set aside their dislike of Emery or their frustration that, for the moment, Valencia can't win this league don't deserve the good things being done for their club.

Barcelona to remain in Europe for 2012-13 pre-season - Goal.com
The Catalans released a statement on their official website explaining that they will not be undertaking any trips to Asia or the United States given several members of their squad will be competing in Euro 2012 and the Olympics during the summer.

I do not know why Barcelona did not sack Guardiola, says Bernd Schuster - Goal.com
Former Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has sarcastically claimed Pep Guardiola should have been sacked for his comments on Barcelona's La Liga chances. "I cannot understand why they did not sack Guardiola when he said that Barca could not win La Liga," Schuster told Radio Marca. "Clubs normally do it."

Ronaldo hat-trick settles Madrid derby - Yahoo! Eurosport
Real Madrid restored their lead over Barcelona at the top of La Liga to four points courtesy of a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired 4-1 win over city neighbours Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon Stadium.

Valencia thump Rayo to go third - Yahoo! Eurosport
Valencia climbed above Malaga into third and an automatic qualification slot for next season's Champions League when a Jonas double helped them to a 4-1 win at home to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Wednesday. Jordi Alba and Pablo Hernandez also struck for the Europa League semi-finalists, who have 52 points with six games left.