PAREJA DECLARED FIT FOR THE DERBY

The Argentine Nico Pareja has provided the best news of the day.  Having passed a fitness test he is included in the 18-man squad to visit Real Betis for tomorrow's derby.  The news is particularly welcome given the absence of Lenglet, who picked up an injury in Wednesday’s match against Leicester.  Gabriel Mercado also comes into the squad, having missed the game in midweek through suspension, while forward Luciano Vietto is not included.

The full list selected by Sampaoli is as follows: Rico, Soria, Mariano, Carrico, Rami, Mercado, Pareja, Escudero, Kranevitter, Iborra, NZonzi, Nasri, Sarabia, Vitolo, Vázquez, Correa, Ben Yedder and Jovetic.

Today also saw ex-footballer Pablo Aimar watching the training session to observe of how Sampaoli and his coaching staff work.