Barca's Puyol ready for Copa del Rey final

Captain Carles Puyol should play for Barcelona in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid in Valencia.

The central defender hadnot played since Jan. 22 before Saturday’s La Liga match with Real. He was substituted after feeling a twinge in a thigh muscle and did not train on Tuesday.

Jose Manuel Pinto, who started in goal during the domestic cup campaign instead of No. 1 goalkeeper Victor Valdes, should keep his job for the finalagainst Real Madrid  at the Mesta lla.

“Tomorrow isabout Pinto and 10 more,” Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said. “It would be a lack of respect to him and the other players if he didn’tplay.”