Batistuta doubtful for friendly against Espanyol, Spain

Nov 9th, 99

Contrary to my report earlier, it is not confirmed yet whether Bati will or will not play in the 2 Argentina's friendly matches against Espanyol and Spain on Nov 14th and 17th respectively.

Earlier, Fiorentina's doctor told Coach Bielsa that Bati should stay in Florence at least until this Friday. Yesterday Bati was in contact with Argentina's physical coach, Luis Bonini and doctor Donato Villani but they can't confirm yet whether Bati can or cannot play. So in other words Bati is in the doubtful list.

It's possible that Bati may miss the match against Espanyol but will be available against Spain.

Batistuta is the latest name on Coach Bielsa's injury list. Other Argentina players who look set to miss the friendlies are Redondo, Chamot, Veron and Guly.

Here's the list of players that will play:

Zanetti (Inter), Almeyda, Simeone, Sensini (Lazio), Gallardo (Mónaco), Solari (Atl. de Madrid), Pochettino (Espanyol), G. López (Celta), Ortega, Crespo (Parma), C. López (Valencia), Burgos (Mallorca), Vivas (Arsenal), Cavallero (Espanyol), Berizzo (Olympique),Ayala (Milan), C. Husain (Vélez), Coloccini (Boca), Arca (Argentinos), Grabinski (Newell's) and D'Alessandro (River)

As soon as I get more confirmation I will post it here.

In other friendly news, Toldo has been included in Italian squad who will play a friendly match between Italy and Belgium scheduled on Nov 13 in Lecce.

(Thank you Mari and Steven for the update)