|
|
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola: Sergio Busquets is doubtful for Valencia clash
The midfielder suffered a cut to his right knee after colliding with Real Sociedad defender Carlos Martinez during the closing stages of Saturday's 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad
Feb 7, 2012 5:15:00 PM
By Mark Doyle
Pep Guardiola - Barcelona
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has revealed that Sergio Busquets is a doubt for Wednesday night's Copa del Rey semifinal second leg showdown with Valencia at Camp Nou.
The Spain international midfielder suffered a deep cut to his right knee after colliding with Real Sociedad defender Carlos Martinez during the closing stages of Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Basques.
Guardiola admitted during his pre-game press conference on Tuesday evening that Busquets was his "most doubtful" injury concern for the visit of Los Che.
However, the Catalan coach added: "Xavi's fine, Alexis [Sanchez] is doing pretty well and we will see tomorrow how Andres [Iniesta] and Pedro are."
Turning his attention to the opposition, Guardiola said that he is expecting Valencia to push Barca just as hard as Real Madrid did in the quarterfinals.
With the tie delicately poised at 1-1 after last week's first leg clash at Mestalla, the 41-year-old is predicting things will go right down to the wire.
"Valencia have always maintained a very high level and the opinion I have regarding them remains the same," he explained.
"As against Madrid, I have a feeling that the tie will not be decided until the last minute."
Jonas opened the scoring for Valencia at Mestalla last week only for Barca to equalize through Carles Puyol before Lionel Messi missed a second-half penalty for the visitors.
The Spain international midfielder suffered a deep cut to his right knee after colliding with Real Sociedad defender Carlos Martinez during the closing stages of Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Basques.
Guardiola admitted during his pre-game press conference on Tuesday evening that Busquets was his "most doubtful" injury concern for the visit of Los Che.
However, the Catalan coach added: "Xavi's fine, Alexis [Sanchez] is doing pretty well and we will see tomorrow how Andres [Iniesta] and Pedro are."
Turning his attention to the opposition, Guardiola said that he is expecting Valencia to push Barca just as hard as Real Madrid did in the quarterfinals.
With the tie delicately poised at 1-1 after last week's first leg clash at Mestalla, the 41-year-old is predicting things will go right down to the wire.
"Valencia have always maintained a very high level and the opinion I have regarding them remains the same," he explained.
"As against Madrid, I have a feeling that the tie will not be decided until the last minute."
Jonas opened the scoring for Valencia at Mestalla last week only for Barca to equalize through Carles Puyol before Lionel Messi missed a second-half penalty for the visitors.
Follow Goal.com on 
to get the latest soccer news directly. Check out Goal.com's 
page; be part of the best soccer fan community in the world!
to get the latest soccer news directly. Check out Goal.com's page; be part of the best soccer fan community in the world!
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.