Soccer
PREVIEW: Man Utd return to scene of 1999 triumph to face Barcelona
By DPA
Apr 22, 2008, 13:40 GMT

Barcelona - Manchester United are relishing a return to Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium - the scene of their astonishing 1999 Champions League final triumph against Bayern Munich - for Wednesday's semi-final first leg against troubled Barca.

United go to Barcelona accompanied by around 3,000 fans - and as firm favourites to reach the final.

Midfielder Michael Carrick told the media on Monday that 'Manchester United have not been to the Nou Camp for a while but the lads who were around in 1999 have spoken about what a special night it was.'

'Hopefully we can repeat that success,' he added. 'As a footballer, it does not get much better.'

The 'Red Devils' have no major injury problems. Goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar is fit after a groin strain and Wayne Rooney seems to have overcome the hip injury that he sustained in Saturday's 1-1 draw away to Blackburn Rovers.

In addition, midfielders Owen Hargreaves and Anderson have both recovered from minor injuries, whilst Gary Neville and Darren Fletcher have also been named in the United squad.

Barcelona approach the tie in poor heart. Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to crosstown rivals Espanyol has left them no less than 11 points behind champions-elect Real Madrid.

On Monday striker Samuel Eto'o said that might try to leave the club 'if we don't win anything next season.'

On Tuesday, defender Rafa Marquez attacked the club's medical services on Catalunya Radio, for not properly diagnosing the injury in his right foot sustained two months ago - and for not adequately treating other injured players.

The good news for Barca is that Marquez, Deco and Lionel Messi are all fit again, though Thierry Henry is doubtful after missing training on Monday morning because of a heavy cold.

Messi is likely to make his first start for two months, linking up in attack with Eto'o and either Bojan Krkic or Giovanni Dos Santos.

Barca will be without injury victims Ronaldinho, Lilian Thuram, Jose Edmilson and Albert Jorquera.

Captain Carles Puyol is suspended, which means that coach Frank Rijkaard will opt for Marquez and Gabriel Milito at the heart of his defence, with Gianluca Zambrotta and Eric Abidal out on the flanks.