FC Barcelona News: 31 July 2012; Carles Puyol Given Medical Green Light, Marc Muniesa Has Knee Surgery

Puyol given medical all clear | FC Barcelona
This morning, Carles Puyol was given the green light to play by the Club’s Medical Services. The captain underwent surgery on the 12th of May to correct an osteochondral injury in his right knee. The surgical arthroscopic process was performed on the captain in order to clean out the his knee joint.

Communique on the Catalan Super Cup | FC Barcelona
The Club accepts the Catalan Football Federation’s proposal to play the Catalan Super Cup on September 26. The FC Barcelona managers will present the best possible team for the match, thereby reaffirming the commitment made by the Club to play the Catalan Super Cup on Tuesday, July 31st.

Marc Muniesa set for surgery on Tuesday | FC Barcelona
On Tuesday morning the player Marc Muniesa will undergo surgery to correct the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Doctors Ramon Cugat and Ricard Pruna will perform the operation. After the surgery, at approximately 16.00, the two doctors will hold a press conference at the Ricard Maxenchs Press Room.

First session of the day | FC Barcelona
The FC Barcelona preseason never stops. Following the return of the seven Spain internationals on Monday, Tito Vilanova almost has a complete squad to work with. He is only waiting on Jordi Alba and Martín Montoya, who still have one more Olympic fixture to play, despite no longer being able to qualify for the quarter finals.

FCB Escola brings Barça values to Beijing | FC Barcelona
On July 30th, FCB Escola unveiled its new Campus at the Beijing Olympic Center. FCB Escola’s Beijing Campus will host 100 Chinese youngsters between the ages of 6 and 18. The two-week long training camp will be led by local and La Masia managers.

One week to prepare for PSG clash | FC Barcelona
The team’s return to training after the match in Tangier and the addition of the seven Euro champions gives the Barça coaching staff nearly an entire week to prepare for next Saturday’s match at the Parc des Princes with most of the team. Seven straight days without a match in the pre-season is a rare occurrence and Tito Vilanova plans to use the time wisely.

Grimaldo starts training with Barça B | FC Barcelona
Alejandro Grimaldo completed his first training session as a FC Barcelona B player today. The Valencia-born youngster, who just retuned from a well-earned vacation, joined his new teammates after securing the U-19 Euro title with fellow Azulgrana Gerard Deulofeu. Grimaldo is the latest player to report to Barça B duty, the only player yet to join the team is Cristian Tello.

Jese and Deulofeu links dismissed | Sky Sports
The agent of Spanish starlets Jese Rodriguez and Gerard Deulofeu has insisted that neither will be leaving La Liga this summer. Striker Jese, 19, is rated as Real Madrid's top prospect and has already made his debut for Jose Mourinho's senior side. Likewise 18-year-old Deulofeu is held in similar regard by Barcelona's coaching staff.

Real Madrid will not allow Kaka to leave on loan - report - Goal.com
However, the Rossoneri's dire financial situation complicates matters, and the club are hoping to sign Kaka on loan without paying a fee, while requesting that Madrid continue to pay 50 per cent of the midfielder's wages. Los Blancos have no interest in such a deal, though, and will only let go of the Brazilian on a permanent basis.

Zidane to coach Real Madrid youngsters - Goal.com
Since hanging up his boots, Zidane has worked as an advisor to Madrid president Florentino Perez and coach Jose Mourinho, and he will now assume a new position within the club's youth academy. "Zinedine Zidane will begin training to become a coach, while at the same time coach Real Madrid’s youth academy," a club statement read.

Spain confront 'total failure' at Olympics - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Shock group D defeats to Japan and Honduras, both by a 1-0 scoreline, sent the Spanish packing, with El Mundo, perhaps slightly prematurely, declaring "a return to the dark ages" on Monday. Sports daily Marca more circumspectly lamented "a sad end for a team that arrived at the Games full of hope and aspirations".

Atletico Madrid want to honour Torres with award at Uefa Super Cup final - Goal.com
The two teams meet in Monaco on August 31 and Los Colchoneros are keen to finally offer the striker the accolade of the insignia de oro y brillantes, something they have wanted to do since his winning goal for Spain in the Euro 2008 final against Germany.

Official: Sevilla seal Cicinho signing - Goal.com
he Rojiblancos announced on their official website on Monday that the right-back had arrived at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan to sign a four-year contract with the club, after passing a medical earlier in the day. Sevilla did not disclose the size of the transfer fee but it is believed that the Andalusians have paid approximately €2 million for the Brazilian.

Deportivo la Coruna land Benfica duo Roderick and Nelson Oliveira - Goal.com
Deportivo La Coruna have announced that they have signed Benfica defender Roderick Miranda and striker Nelson Oliveira on loan. The Portuguese duo will join the newly-promoted La Liga side on season-long loans, before returning to the Estadio da Luz at the end of the campaign.

Mancini Jr signs for Valladolid - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
The 19-year-old son of Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, forward Andrea is about to begin his debut season with Real Valladolid after the Italian realised his options at City were limited and agreed to join the La Liga club's B team. "For sure it's not easy having the surname Mancini," Andrea said on the official La Liga website.