Barcelona will be missing the goalscoring touch of Neymar in attack for the Uefa Super Cup against Sevilla on Tuesday but they can still call on an unsettled Pedro to provide reliable backup.
Pedro has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United and the news that Neymar will be out for an expected two weeks with the mumps is exactly why the Catalan club are loathe to allow the home-grown talent to leave Camp Nou.
He had limited chances though in the second half of last season with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar all remaining largely injury free on the way to hitting a Spanish record 122 goals among them as Barca won the treble.
Neymar’s pace and trickery which he showed to good effect with a goal and his overall performance in last week’s Gamper Trophy win over Roma will be missed against Europa League champions Sevilla but coach Luis Enrique values Pedro for his dependability when given a chance.
Former Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic is also looking sharp, hitting a 30-yard drive into the top corner against Roma, and he pointed out the strength of the team as a whole.
Andy Mitten: Barcelona enter Super Cup season with Man United closing in on deal for Pedro
“Everyone knows the importance that Leo and Neymar have but the other players are as well. It is important that we have confidence and show what we can do,” Rakitic told reporters.
“I am a big fan of Sevilla but not in this match. I am now at this club and I will give my best for it and the fans here.”
It is a big season for Rakitic who will look to consolidate his position in midfield which he took over from Barca legend Xavi.
While Xavi was more of a midfield organiser, the Croat prefers to get up and down the pitch.
“The team is playing differently and when you get into positions to shoot you need to take them,” said Rakitic.
“It is part of my play and I like to look for openings. When I score it obviously gives me more confidence.
“We are looking forward to the Sevilla game. We are working hard to be ready for the game and to start the season the best way.
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What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Health Valley
Founded in 2002 and set up as a foundation in 2006, Health Valley has been an innovation in healthcare for more than 10 years in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
It serves as a place where companies, businesses, universities, healthcare providers and government agencies can collaborate, offering a platform where they can connect and work together on healthcare innovation.
Its partners work on technological innovation, new forms of diagnostics and other methods to make a difference in healthcare.
Its agency consists of eight people, four innovation managers and office managers, two communication advisers and one director. It gives innovation support to businesses and other parties in its network like a broker, connecting people with the right organisation to help them further
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, Group B
Barcelona v Inter Milan
Camp Nou, Barcelona
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Tuesday (UAE kick-off times)
Leicester City v Brighton (9pm)
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United (11.15pm)
Wednesday
Manchester United v Sheffield United (9pm)
Newcastle United v Aston Villa (9pm)
Norwich City v Everton (9pm)
Wolves v Bournemouth (9pm)
Liverpool v Crystal Palace (11.15pm)
Thursday
Burnley v Watford (9pm)
Southampton v Arsenal (9pm)
Chelsea v Manchester City (11.15pm)
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
Match info
Liverpool 3
Hoedt (10' og), Matip (21'), Salah (45 3')
Southampton 0
match info
Manchester United 3 (Martial 7', 44', 74')
Sheffield United 0
