Puyol: “I‘m feeling better every day”

Carles Puyol has no problems with his knee and told reporters he is feeling “better”, but after a six month period dogged by injuries, he’s not prepared to put a date on his return.

Carles Puyol was operated on in July and has been busy with his recovery since and is yet to train with the rest of the squad: “I’m feeling better every day, but the recovery is slow. Everything is going little by little. As Doctor Cugat(who operated on him) put it, I’m not in charge here, it’s the knee that is”.

“I’ve got no problems with my knee any more”
The captain insisted: “I’ve got no problems with my knee any more”, but refused to be drawn on a date for his reappearance, although the first official games of the season are set for 14th and 17th August: “I don’t know how long I’ll be before I’m back, but I want it to be as soon as possible, when I am fully 100%. Everybody who knows me will understand that I am really keen to get back. I’ve been a long time with this injury –six and a half months. I am really keen to get back”.

Busquets: “Thiago shouldn’t be pressured any more”
Puyol was accompanied by Carles Busquets who was questioned about the role of Barça’s leading scorer in this pre-season –Thiago: “he’s a quality player, but he is still young and shouldn’t be pressured any more. I am sure that he will be an important player for the team”.

Adriano to join squad in Miami on Monday

Adriano will join the squad in Miami this Monday after finishing his holiday following his appearance for Brazil at the Cop America.

Pep Guardiola will have the first of his South American players who have been playing in the Copa America back on Monday when Adriano meets up with the rest of the squad in Miami.

Adriano didn’t figure in a single game during the tournament, which means he is the first of the South Americans to return to the squad.

Cover at right back
Guardiola has had to improvise at right back so far this pre-season, with Jonathan Dos Santos amongst others being drafted in. Dani Alves is also on holiday of course and B team player Montoya, who could take his place, is not available.