Guardiola doubtful for Valencia trip
Reuters - Tuesday 01 March 2011, 12:52
MADRID - Midfielder Xavi has returned to
the Barcelona squad after injury but coach Pep Guardiola could
miss their trip to Valencia due to a back problem, the Spanish
league leaders said on Tuesday.
Xavi has recovered from a calf strain that kept him out of
last weekend's win at Real Mallorca and was named in the 18-man
squad for Wednesday's game along with Dani Alves, who is back
from suspension.
Defender Carles Puyol and goalkeeper Victor Valdes missed
out again due to injury.
Guardiola was unable to take charge of Barca's final
training session in the morning after a back problem that has
been troubling him for the last two weeks suddenly flared up.
A decision on whether he travels with the team will be taken
before they head south on Wednesday morning.
Valencia's Mestalla stadium is the only ground Guardiola has
yet to savour a league victory at, having drawn 2-2 and 0-0 on
his two visits as Barca coach.