FC Barcelona play host to Racing Santander this Sunday (19:00, Barça TV) in a game marked by the returns of Barça's star players. Messi comes back after injury, Eto'o to Camp Nou and Ronnie following his absence in the last game.
Since the 27th September, the attacking three of Messi, Eto'o and Ronaldinho, have not appeared on pitch at the same time. Barça have the luxury of being able to count on nearly the entire squad for an important phase of the season, in which they are still present in three competitions. At this stage, Barça take on Racing Santander; always a difficult rival, despite coming to Barça with two important attacking players sidelined.
Messi returns to the squad following a three month spell on the sidelines recovering from breaking his metatarsal bone in his foot. Since rejoining the team at the beginning of the week, Messi is on the verge of giving his all for the first team again.
Despite making a brief appearance in Pamplona last weekend, Samuel Eto'o will make his first appearance at the Camp Nou. Eto'o has always played against Racing Santander, whether it be in Barça colours or for his previous club Mallorca. It would be a return to remember should he find the back of the net in front of the home support.
Ronnie's return: Ronaldinho also comes back into the line up following his absence against Osasuna in Pamplona and against Portugal for his country due to niggling injuries in his right knee and ankle. The club's medical team gave him the all clear on Saturday.
With Frank Rijkaard's new found options in attack, he has given rests to Ezquerro and Gudjohnsen, both who have played their parts in recent games.
Diminished attack: Racing coach Miguel Angel Portugal, has expressed his wish to cause an upset at Camp Nou this Sunday, however, he will not find it an easy task. Both Munitis and Zigic are out of the encounter due to being sanctioned for reaching their yellow card limits. This could pave the way for Balboa and Juanjo to start the game.
