Sevilla vs Barcelona preview - Varas eyes recall against Barca

Posted Saturday, March 17, 2012 by PA

Sevilla goalkeeper Javi Varas is hoping to return to coach Michel Gonzalez's side for the Primera Division clash against Barcelona and repeat his heroics from earlier in the season.

Varas saved a stoppage-time Lionel Messi penalty to cap a brilliant display when Sevilla held Barca to a 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp last October.

Since then he has fallen out of favour and moved behind veteran goalkeeper Andres Palop in the pecking order.

Varas knows Barca will take no prisoners when they travel to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium as they bid to cut the 10-point gap between themselves and title rivals Real Madrid.

However, he has backed himself to take up the challenge of keeping another clean sheet if he is called upon.

"I'm still the same as I was in the Camp Nou in the first game but am now in a different situation," Varas told www.mundodeportivo.com.

"I wanted to play all season, but there have been some circumstances (counting against me) - a coaching change, illness, good performances from Andres Palop.

"I will do everything possible to reverse this situation by working more if possible to avoid it happening again."

Barca coach Pep Guardiola has been handed a boost ahead of the clash as midfielder Thiago Alcantara and striker Alexis Sanchez trained for a second day with the rest of the squad and could be in contention for the match.

The news came after it was announced that Barca central defender Eric Abidal will undergo a liver transplant.

Guardiola is likely to make a decision on Thiago and Sanchez in the morning.