Injury Problems Ahead

The clubs's medical team has assessed Eric Abidal's injury. The club doctor have decided to continue with the same treatment and ruled out surgery at this point of time. The recovery is expected to take three weeks in normal scenarion; and if he does not recover well after this three weeks, they might consider the possibility of a surgery. If that happens the Abidal could be out of the game for a pretty long time. What disappoints me the most is the time of the injury. If this injury has occured a month ago none of us would have complained; but in the recent matches he was getting better and fulfilling his promises and now this happens. Guardiola would have to rely on Sylvinho in the left side of the pitch or he could still use Puyol again there. But I would prefer Guardiola using Sylvinho as there is a possibility that Abidal could take more time to recover or could take more time to find his form back.

Add to this Iniesta injury; Guardiola could be in for the toughest of tests. Iniesta had solved FC Barcelona's incompetency in far left position of the pitch and now that is going to haunt Guardiola again. Henry looked like finally getting into his grove; but that could be another faulty sign like last season. Hleb could be used there but he has not made a compelling case to guarantee that position. Keita has started training but is not fully fit and cannot be expected to take part in this week's match. The absence of Keita and Iniesta means the midfield would be stretched ofr creative ideas this week. Gudjonsen could come back but is sure not to start. Now that leaves Victor Sanchez a sure certainity. In the defense the team is missing two members - Abidal and Milito. It is still not clear when Milito would come back. Pique is carrying a knock but should be able to feature in next week's match.

Basel Steals a Point; FC Barcelona-1, F C Basel -1

FC Barcelona's winning streak was halted by the most unlikeliest of opponents - FC Basel. This was a match where FC Barcelona players showed signs of complacency, lacked attitude and looked more like last season. To worsen it all one of the star performers of this season, Andres Iniesta Picked up an injury and most probably would miss six weeks of action. To the build up to this match I have written that FC Barcelona would be happy to get a point out of it and secure the Knock-out stage spot. This draw has virtually ensured that and Barca became the first team to secure the spot in this year's champions league. In a way, this draw or inept performance could be God sent. This gives Guardiola enough reason and oppurtunity to raise the bar again. Guardiola have to make sure that the team does not repeat this performance ever. As expected Guardiola rested many of his regular starters. Eto, Xavi, Messi, Toure and Alves all got the much needed rest. Puyol, Marquez, Pique and Sylvinho formed the defense ahead of Valdes. Iniesta, Victor Sanchez and Busquests formed the midfield. Hleb, Henry and Bojan formed the front three.

As expected FC barcelona retained the majority of possession in the first half. They did create some chance but not any lethal ones. It was clear they were misising the likes of Xavi and Eto in the first half. Victor Sanchez and Bojan did work hard but it was too big a task for them. We can't really blame the team fully as half of them are playing for the first time together and it is difficult to gel together. In the second half Guardiola brought Messi, Eto and Xavi in. The Messi substitution did worked immediately when he scored to give Barca the lead. But slowly FC barcelona again dropped the tempo of the game and did pay for that in the 83rd minute when Derdiyok scored after a Marquez mistake. This match showed one fact that if Barca want to dominate any match that initiative has to be taken from the begining. Now how Guardiola cope up with the absence of Iniesta is yet to be seen.

Fc Barcelona vs Fc Basel Preview

FC Barcelona would be hoping to grab atleast one point in today's match against FC Basel to assure themselves of a Champions League Knockout stage place. But FC Basel would be praying heavily to avoid another drubbing in the hands of FC Barcelona. FC Barcelona's current form and Hot Goal scoring streak would only make FC Basel's job kind of impossible. In their last four matches Barca have scored 15 goals and conceded a miserly one goal. So naturally we would expect a goal fest when they take on the minows from Switzerland. Guardiola is expected to rest the majority of the first team players. Guardiola has once again delayed the announcement of squad for this match. The Romanian referee Dan Alexandru Tudor will take charge of this Tuesday’s game between Barça and Basel. It will be Tudor’s first game featuring Barcelona.

Guardiola is expected to rest the old guys in the defense especially - Marquez and Puyol. The defense should most probably made of Alves, Pique, Caceres and Sylvinho. Iniesta should play the creative head in the midfield. Xavi can be expected to be rested. Ineista who missed the away leg of this encounter should be eager to get into the scoresheet. Gudjonsen/Victor Sanchez and Busquests could be expected to form the other midfield. The forward line up should nbe made up of Hleb, Henry and Bojan. Even with the absence of their main stars FC barcelona could be expected to finish of this game much earlier. This is an excellent oppurtunity for the fringe players to show their value.