Barcelona won't let up on Zaragoza

Posted Saturday, November 19, 2011 by ESPN

Real Zaragoza boss Javier Aguirre expects Barcelona to be at full-strength despite talk the Spanish champions may rest some of their international stars.

Barcelona have been one of the hardest hit teams in the wake of the international break after a number of their key men returned to the Catalan capital at the last minute following long-haul flights.

Barca's Spain stars were in action in Costa Rica in midweek - following a 1-0 defeat to England in London last weekend - while Lionel Messi reportedly complained of fatigue after Argentina's World Cup qualification double-header.

With Barca facing a key Champions League clash with AC Milan in midweek there had been speculation that boss Pep Guardiola may seek to give his stars a breather against a Zaragoza side languishing just above the drop zone.

But Aguirre is ignoring such talk as he aims to address a four-game winless run.

"I am expecting the best Barcelona," the former Mexico coach told the club's website.

"It is important that we have this attitude. We must be strong, that is more important than any other analysis.

"The team has trained well this week and I have great faith in the team.

"They are in a good mood at the moment."

A win for Barcelona would move them level with leaders Real Madrid, for a couple of hours at least, with Jose Mourinho's men travelling to Valencia for their late game.

While Guardiola has not given away his likely line-up he is set to be without defender Adriano after he suffered a bicep injury while on international duty with Brazil.

Javier Mascherano is also a doubt after he limped out of Argentina's 2-1 win over Colombia while countryman Messi could be kept on the bench.

Zaragoza have made two changes to the squad that drew 2-2 with Sporting Gijon last time out.

Pablo Alcolea replaces injured goalkeeper Leo Franco after he failed to train during the week while Portuguese defender Fernando Meira also comes into the squad.