Iniesta Out for Two Weeks

FC Barcelona would be missing their instrumental mid-fielder for two weeks. Andres Iniesta has been sidelined after suffering an harmstring injury. The doctors have advised him for complete rest for two weeks. This is sad as he was coming back to his best. His last two matches - against Betis and against England he was coming back to full force. He is definite to miss the first leg of Champions League encounter against Lyon. The best we can hope is to see him action against Mallorca in the Copa Del Rey second leg, which will be held on March 04. But that all depend on how fast he recovers; then again Pep may not risk him in that match and wait till he is completely fit. As far as Barca is concerned - we missed him during the crucial phase in December. But we came through it in flying colours. Pep could use anyone of Keita, Gudjohnsen and Busquets in the midfield; but they will not be able to substitute the skill of Iniesta.

Eto has been stalling the renewal of contract for sometime. Now the plot gets thicker with Manchester City and AC Milan reportedly interested in signing him. This is something which Eto wanted, as this will give him more bargaining power with the club. But this could also harm Eto's interest. Txiki Begiristain , the sporting director at Barca has reportedly made a statement that at Barca anyone can score. He also made it clear that their initail priority is to extend Eto deal; but they are well prepared if that falls through. Eto could be a bit upset at the treatment metted out by Guardiola in the beginig of season, but it is hard to believe that he would like to move out of Nou Camp. Where will he get a more perfect team to complement his goal poaching skills? But these development will force Barca to go after Benzema and Villa with more determination, and in the end Eto could be the loser.

Betis vs Barca Pictures on 14-02-09

Barca Player Rating against Real Betis

Valdes - 7.5 - Played his part well. Produced some excellent stops to keep Barca in the game. Couldn't do anything about the goals as his defense let him down. Still felt a bit confused coming from his line to claim long balls; but is proving again and again that in one on one situation he is the best in the world.

Alves - 6 - A real off day in both defense and attack. His killing crosses were missing throughout the match and failed to hold the left flank.

Pique - 5 - Worst of the center backs. His habit of committing early for challenges is becoming a head ache.

Caceres - 6 - Better of the two Center defenders. Wasn't confident but produced some essential stoppings. Was at fault for the first goal.

Abidal - 6.5 - Better of all the defenders. It's good to see he getting back to his best. May not have went forward that much but still was confident in defense. He should have tried to support Iniesta on the left in the first half. (I actually missed Abidal in my first write up, Thanks PEP for pointing this out)

Xavi - 6.5 - Not a great game from the midfield general. But he wasn't helped by a poor Busquets and Keita.

Busquets - 5 - Worst match of this season for the youngster. Didn't look assured. Got frustrated as game progressed.

Keita - 5.5 - Very poor game but it is normal as he is coming back from Injury.

Hleb - 3 - Pathetic game. Never contributed anything in attack; never tracked back to help defense. Was standing simply at the edge of box leabing Mark Goanzalez unmarked for the second goal.

Eto - 8 - Great game. Found his touch once again. The second goal was pure class. But it will be betetr he give the penalty taking job to Messi and Xavi. Pathetic penalty kick.

Iniesta - 8 - Was a constant threat throughout the match. Created the fist goal. Had some great run from the left.

Substitutes : Henry(7), Messi (6) and Bojan (6.5).

Man Of The Match - Ricardo (Betis' Goal Keeper)