The squad had a training session on Saturday morning with the notable absences of Xavi (hamstring) and Puyol, who underwent an arthroscopy on Thursday to clean up his right knee
The players continued their preparations for Sunday’s home league clash with Rayo Vallecano (9 pm kickoff) with another training session on Saturday morning. Xavi is still recovering from a hamstring problem that will force him out of Sunday’s line-up and took no part in the session. Also missing was Carles Puyol, following his knee operation on Friday.
Oier to back up Pinto
First choice keeper Víctor Valdés is suspended for the Rayo game so Barça B goalkeeper Oier Olazábal trained with the senior squad on Saturday as cover for José Manuel Pinto. Last weekend against Deportivo, Jordi Masip was on the bench as substitute goalkeeper.
The players will have a final training session behind closed doors at 12 pm on Sunday in the Camp Nou.