Eight days ago, Rijkaard’s team began a decisive week, first with a game against Murcia, one of this year’s surprise teams. Then the return cup tie against Seville, and finally the start of the second half of the league against Racing. Also, Albert Jonquera’s replacement was still to be announced, and the sick room would hopefully start emptying.
Eight days have passed and the journey has been excellent. The team had a goal spree against Murcia and saw off Seville in the cup. Barça are now the only team left in the three competitions (the Spanish Cup, the Spanish League and the Champions League). And there was more good news to come. Goalkeeper José Manuel Pinto, who kept the cleanest sheet in the 2005/06 season, was signed; and Leo Messi and Oleguer were back in the squad.

Three key additions
The Argentinean striker, one of the three key additions, was given the all-clear after the training session held at Nou Camp on Saturday morning. This is following nearly a five-week absence through injury.
Newly signed ex-Celta goalkeeper José Manuel Pinto is another key addition, despite having only had one training session with his new team-mates. The third is Oleguer Presas, who returns after a two-month absence due to a hamstring injury.

Eto'o and Touré Yaya will miss the game as they are both playing in the African Cup, and the other absentees are the injured Ronaldinho, Edmílson, Ezquerro and Jorquera.

A rival on good form

Marcelino Garcia’s Racing de Santander arrive at Nou Camp on great form, although they have some notable absentees, including Toño, Munitis and Smolarek all through injury, and the suspended Ayoze.
However, Racing will be feeling confident after their resounding 4-2 Spanish Cup victory over Zaragoza , as well as winning their last two league games against Athletic (1-0) and away at Osasuna (0-2). As a result, Racing are now enjoying being sixth in the league.

Victory won’t be so easy for Barça, who will take the pitch knowing the result of the derby between leaders Real Madrid and third-placed Atletico Madrid.