Bartra in for injured Cesc for Spain internationals | FC Barcelona
Cesc Fàbregas will be out for seven days. According to a statement from the Club’s medical services, tests this Monday showed the Catalan midfielder had sprained ligaments in his right knee. Cesc will miss Spain’s upcoming international games, with hsi place to be taken by clubmate Marc Bartra.
Eleven FC Barcelona players called up for the last internaitional break of the year | FC Barcelona
Tata Martino will be without a big part of his team this international break as eleven first team players have been called up to their respective national teams. Nearly all of Barça’s internationals will feature in friendlies, with the exceptions of Alex Song and Sergi Roberto.
Messi out for between 6 and 8 weeks | FC Barcelona
The Club’s medical services confirmed after tests this Monday morning that Leo Messi has a torn hamstring muscle in his left thigh and is expected to miss the next 6 to 8 weeks. The first phase of Messi’s recovery will be covered in Barcelona and he will then travel to Buenos Aires. Messi was substituted on 19 minutes of the Betis- Barça game on Sunday.
Former Barca chief medic: Messi didn’t fully recover in summer - Yahoo Eurosport UK
"Messi should not return, not until he is 100 per cent recovered," Ardevol has reflected on Esports Cope today. "That is what I would do, although it is very easy to say this when you are on the outside. "However, there are many factors that influence things - the desire to play as soon as possible, the team’s needs, the pressure in the environment both sporting and commercially, with the World Cup in sight.
Lionel Messi injury inquest begins in Spanish media - ESPN FC
As Lionel Messi begins a set recovery programme designed to put an end to his persistent muscle injury issues, the Spanish media have looked at how a busy summer and internal issues at Barcelona may have contributed to the problems.
Víctor Valdés, 84% save percentage | FC Barcelona
After 13 games, Víctor Valdés has the best goalkeeping record in La Liga, with just 8 goals conceded. He also has the highest saves percentage in the competition (84%): he saved 42 of the 50 shots on target that he has faced. Some keepers have made more saves, such as the 63 by Keylor Navas (Levante), 56 by Esteban (Almeria) and 55 by Moyà (Getafe).
FC Barcelona make it 5,500 league goals | FC Barcelona
Cesc Fàbregas’ second goal against Betis made a little piece of history. The final goal in the 1-4 win at the Benito Villamarín was the Club’s 5.500th in the history of the league. The goal came from a cross on the right by Alves and after Cesc had headed home, he immediately signalled that he needed to be subbed.
Alex Song amazes in Betis v FC Barcelona warm-up | FC Barcelona
Alex Song gifted us this glimpse of his brilliance in the warm-up before Betis v Barça. People were left gaping in astonishment as the Cameroonian controlled the ball after a sublime touch to lift it off the ground.
Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has withdrawn from Spain's squad - Goal.com
Diego Costa has withdrawn from Spain's squad to face Equitorial Guinea and South Africa due to a thigh injury, with Juventus' Fernando Llorente set to replace him. The Atletico Madrid striker's inclusion in Vicente del Bosque's side was much hyped after his decision to commit his international career to the world and European champions over the country of his birth, Brazil.
Manchester City will have to pay €20m for Willy Caballero - ESPN FC
Malaga director general Vicente Casado says Manchester City will have to spend 20 million euros if they want to sign goalkeeper Willy Caballero this winter. City boss Manuel Pellegrini is reportedly keen to bring in his former Malaga charge Caballero, 32, as doubts continue over Joe Hart’s form and the long-term suitability of Costel Pantilimon for a first-team spot.
Athletic renew Gurpegi | Football Espana
Athletic Bilbao have announced today that they have handed captain Carlos Gurpegi a new contract through to June 2015. The 33-year-old defensive midfielder, who also played at centre-back, has spent his entire playing career with the Basque Country outfit.
Nosa out for two months - Yahoo Eurosport UK
The club have reported on Monday that the 23-year-old midfielder requires surgery on a chronic enthesopathy in an adductor muscle in his left leg. Nosa, who has appeared in 11 of Betis’ 19 matches in all competitions this term, will be unavailable until the middle of January.
More from Barca Blaugranes:
- La Liga: FC Barcelona 4-1 Real Betis: Player Ratings
- La Liga: FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi Out 6 to 8 Weeks, Cesc Fabregas to Miss a Week
- FC Barcelona News: 11 November 2013; Barça Extend La Liga Lead to Three Points, Lionel Messi Picks Up Thigh Injury
- From The Mind of Xoel: Betis 1-4 Barça. Messi Injured Again: Bad Luck or Not?
- La Liga: FC Barcelona 4-1 Real Betis: Match Review