Football: Barcelona look to avoid ‘FIFA virus’

MADRID: Champions Barcelona are hoping there will be no hangover after the international break as they take on Racing Santander in La Liga today. Barca are usually at their most vulnerable immediately following an international break – a syndrome known here as the “Fifa virus” – and Guardiola has considerable selection problems to contend with just now. Xavi Hernandez limped out of Spain’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Scotland and may be rested, while Javier Mascherano is another doubt after continuing with a twisted ankle in Argentina’s defeat in Venezuela.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 15^th, 2011.