Iniesta fit for Clasico

       Andres Iniesta will be available to play in Saturday's Clasico

 Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta is available to play against Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season on Saturday at the Nou Camp, coach Luis Enrique said on Tuesday.

 The 32-year-old midfielder damaged knee ligaments last month and returned to training on Friday.

 "Andres is waiting to be given the all clear by the doctors but this is just a formality. He is fit and he has been training with us," Luis Enrique told a news conference. "He is available for selection."

 The Spain international missed Sunday's 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad, a result that left Barca six points adrift of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, who are unbeaten in 31 games in all competitions

 Iniesta will not travel to Alicante for Barca's King's Cup round of 32 first-leg match against Hercules on Wednesday.

 "Andres is not playing tomorrow because he is banned but had he been available, he would have had minutes," Luis Enrique said.

 Graham Hunter joins Guillem Balague to discuss the 2016/17 seaoson's first El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Barca currently trail Los Blancos
Sunday's result in San Sebastian was Barca's second successive draw in La Liga.

 "It's obvious that we need to improve, that we need more consistent but I don't see any signs to worry me too much," Luis Enrique said.

 "The team is well and we got a point at La Real. We are still favourites to win all the titles but it's clear that we have to improve.

 "We, the players and I, are aware of that and are the first to admit that. We've had good games but we've lacked consistency as the results show. But I wouldn't exaggerate.

 "Remember that in my first year (2014-15) the press also exaggerated with our results and we went on to win the treble (La Liga, King's Cup and the Champions League)."

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Jose Gimenez's goal secured a late win for Uruguay against Egypt

Image
It’s another exciting atmosphere in Russia as Egypt take on Uruguay in a group A encounter. Uruguay dominated possession in the first 3 minutes of the opening stage of the first half. Caceres was put under pressure defensively but can’t keep the ball in play after tackle, though it shows Egypt are doing everything within their reach to limit the time Uruguay have on the ball. Egypt are starting to to enjoy the game after the early pressure from the Uruguay. Cavani look threatening to the Egypt defense with the first attempt of the game, firing a low shot from outside the box that El – Shenawy managed to keep out comfortably. Egypt have done great defensively as they’ve kept Uruguay silent and finding thir rhythm in attack. Egypt with their first attempt of the game as trezeguet forced Muslera into action for the first time. He chests the ball down to create some chance in the box but couldn’t get contact with the ball properly. Egypt are looking more dangerous on th
Read more

Chelsea sign Bakayoko from Monaco for £40M

Image
Tiemoue Bakayoko has joined Chelsea from Monaco and become the club's second-most expensive signing of all time. Sky Sports News HQ understands the 22-year-old has cost the Blues £40m - some £10m less than Fernando Torres in 2011. Bakayoko, an athletic central midfielder, has signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge and will join up with France international team-mate N'Golo Kante. Bakayoko said: "I have grown up watching Chelsea. Signing was the natural thing for me because it is a club I loved very much in my childhood. "I am now looking forward to evolving under this fantastic coach (Antonio Conte) and alongside so many great team-mates." Chelsea's technical director Michael Emenalo said: "Tiemoue was outstanding as Monaco emerged as one of Europe's best sides last season and we are delighted to welcome him to Chelsea. "Despite his young age he already has plenty of experience as a French title winner and having competed
Read more

Ronaldo on a rare run of goals and assists for Juventus

Image
The Portuguese star is on a rare run of getting goals and assists, after pulling it off against Parma, Sassuolo and Frosinone Cristiano Ronaldo proved his importance to Juventus once again as he scored and assisted in a match for the third time in a row on Friday. The 34-year-old helped fire the Serie A leaders to a 3-0 win over Frosinone when he set Paulo Dybala up for the opening goal and then netted his side's third in the second half. Having also notched goals and assists against Parma and Sassuolo in the previous two league games, he is on a rare run of form of playing the dual role of scorer and provider for the defending champions. It is the second time in the 33-year-old's career that he has scored and set up goals in three games in a row. The last time he put such run together was in November 2014, when he was still with Real Madrid. Ronaldo's 19th goal extends his lead at the top of the Serie A goal chart, while he now has made the joint-most ass
Read more