FC Barcelona has decided to give squad numbers to Dutch star Ibrahim Afellay (19) and Isaac Cuenca (23), two of the players who, after being out on loan spells, could not be transferred as intended by the Catalan giants.
At the moment, both players are injured, something that has hampered the preseason preparations with their teammates. Although there seems to be no plans to use the players, Barcelona has decided to include them in the list of players with shirt numbers, preferring to wait for the winter market with the hope of either being able to transfer them, loan them out again or let them go on a free.
Afellay, who underwent surgery for chronic sinew injury in his right rectus femoris muscle, played last season for Schalke 04 in the German Bundesliga while Isaac Cuenca played for Ajax in the Dutch League. The Catalan is recovering from knee surgery in his right leg after an operation which was carried out on 7th June.
These are the squad numbers for FC Barcelona this season: Valdés (1) Montoya (2) Pique (3), Fabregas (4), Puyol (5), Xavi (6), Pedro (7), Iniesta (8), Alexis (9), Messi (10), Neymar (11), Dos Santos (12), Pinto (13), Mascherano (14), Bartra (15), Busquets (16) Song (17), Jordi Alba (18), Afellay (19), Tello (20), Adriano (21), Alves (22), Cuenca (23), Sergi Roberto (24) and Oier (25).
With the summer transfer window closing last night there has been the expected last minute rushing around to sign new players. Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil has been sold to North London club Arsenal FC for 45M Euros plus 5M in add-ons. Meanwhile, Kaka has returned to AC milan on a free transfer.
I really have to admit that I suffer with both players. I see two players with great future if they are healthy. I think the news about jersey numbers sends a good signal to the players. My belief is that the two will get a chance in 2014.
We need a central defender in other 2 compete well especially in d champions league
We need two central defenders who are ready to go straight into the starting line-up. Even now in La Liga we can see that defense game not working. Victor Valdes and posts has saved FC Barcelona on several occasions.
Gerard Pique is a disaster and Carles Puyol is too old and too slow, I hope he makes his final season.
Marc Bartra he gets tired soon and he moves well.
Song is a very good play maker, pls we should start using him for full 90mins in all games…
Victor valdes is not a good goal keeper,but we manage him.
It is possibly true that Victor Valdes is the best goalkeeper available. But have saved the team several times this season that is a fact.