Iceland's Gudjohnsen given permission to miss Spain match

Iceland striker Eidur Gudjohnsen (picture) was given permission to miss last night's friendly against Spain in Reykjavik so he can play in the first leg of Barcelona's Spanish Super Cup tie against Espanyol. Gudjohnsen stayed in Barcelona to prepare...

Iceland striker Eidur Gudjohnsen (picture) was given permission to miss last night's friendly against Spain in Reykjavik so he can play in the first leg of Barcelona's Spanish Super Cup tie against Espanyol.

Gudjohnsen stayed in Barcelona to prepare for tomorrow's match against their city rivals, said the Spanish champions after holding official talks with Iceland coach Eyjolfur Sverrisson on Monday.

The Super Cup will be Gudjohnsen's first official match with Barcelona since leaving Chelsea in June for a fee of 12 million euros.

Barca's Spanish internationals Xavi and Carles Puyol have also withdrawn from the friendly in Reykjavik due to injury.

It is not clear whether they will be ready to play for their club tomorrow.

Spain and Iceland are also Group F opponents in Euro 2008 qualifying.

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