Laporta is eager to shield Eto'o from early exposure.


FC Barcelona's president, Joan Laporta has sympathised with star striker Samuel Eto'o over the Cameroonian's injury that will sideline the fast forward till November. Laporta spoke with Eto'o and discussed issues concerning his future as well as other matters. Speaking after the meeting, Laporta said that Barca will be very strict in protecting their West African star, starting with ensuring he is given a leave from the Cameroonian national team who plan to make Eto'o their star attraction in the forthcoming African Nations Cup in January, a feat that will see Eto'o missing from FC Barcelona for almost two additional months, while putting further stress on his injury. Laporta said:

I am sorry that he has got injured so early in the season. He was keen to achieve big things, and I hope he gets fit as soon as possible. Once he has gotten over his injury he should first play for FC Barcelona rather than with other teams.

Samuel Eto'o strained his thigh against Inter MIlan in the Joan Gamper Trophy match and has recently undergone surgery to heal the injury. The productive Barca star was in the heat of transfer talks during the summer, with clubs like Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC and Manchester United with all of England eager to sign him, while AC Milan and Inter Milan attacked from the Italian angle. Since fending off all such interests, FC Barcelona have been very sensitive about Eto'o-related cases for both club and country.