Barca include Saviola and Dos Santos in squad for Japan

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-11-29 14:37

MADRID, Nov 28 - Barcelona have included Javier Saviola and three youth-team players, Giovani Dos Santos, Marc Crosas and Ruben Martinez, in their 23-man squad for the Club World Cup in Japan next month.

Argentine striker Saviola has been out of action with a thigh injury for just over two weeks but is expected to return in time for the tournament.

The 17-year-old forward Dos Santos, who helped Mexico win the under-17 world championship in Peru last year, has been tipped for a possible call up to the full national team by new coach Hugo Sanchez.

With forwards Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi out with long-term injuries, local media have linked Dos Santos with a promotion to the European and Spanish champions' first team squad in January.

Midfielder Crosas and goalkeeper Ruben also get their opportunities to impress coach Frank Rijkaard.

The tournament takes place in Japan from December 10-17 and includes South Korea's Chonbuk Motors, Mexican club America, Egypt's Al Ahli, New Zealand's Auckland City and Brazil's Internacional.



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