Barca pair Xavi and Puyol to miss Iceland game

MADRID, Aug 14 (Reuters) Barcelona players Carles Puyol and Xavi will miss Spain's friendly international against Iceland tomorrow because of minor injuries picked up on the club's recent tour of the United States.

Midfielder Xavi has been suffering from muscle pain, while centre back Puyol has a bruised back.

Both players remained in Spain today after undergoing a medical examination by national team doctor Genaro Borras while the rest of the team left for Iceland.

They are also doubtful for Barcelona's opening fixture of the season against Espanyol in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Thursday.

Spanish media reported that coach Luis Aragones would not call up any replacements for the match in Reykjavik.

Xavi's absence means that Celta Vigo midfielder Borja Oubina is likely to get a chance to make his debut after being drafted into the squad for the first time.

The Iceland match will be Spain's first game since their exit from the World Cup at the hands of France during the first knockout round.

Spain will also meet Iceland in Euro 2008 qualifying in March and September of next year.

They open their campaign with games against Liechtenstein and Northern Ireland at the start of September. Denmark, Sweden and Latvia are their other opponents in Group F.

REUTERS PM HT1510