The debut of the winger Michael Arroyo with Barcelona could happen tomorrow when the canaries visit Técnico Universitario in Ambato.

The option was announced yesterday by the coach Guillermo Almada, who also left open the possibility that the Brazilian-Ecuadorian midfielder, Gabriel Marques, could also be in the starting eleven.

"We have seen Marques and Arroyo very well. Tomorrow (today) we will make a decision, after evaluating them. They are eager to come back," said the coach yesterday after the practice session that his squad held on the alternate field at the Monumental Stadium.

Due to his signing at the end of January, Arroyo did not participate in the pre-season that the Toreros carried out in the United States, where they played in the Florida Cup international friendly tournament. Meanwhile, Marques recovered from physical discomfort.

In addition, Almada confirmed that he has already chosen the replacement for Beder Caicedo on the left wing (the defender was sent off in the first match against Universidad Católica). Although he did not mention it, the chosen player would be Byron Castillo.

Regarding tomorrow's match against the "guaytambos", Almada hopes that his team will have the same level of play shown in the second half of the Copa Sudamericana match on Tuesday against General Díaz (0-0).

"We are well-prepared for the upcoming matches. It is difficult for any strategist to decide the line-up when there is a great team. Técnico will be a tough rival, but we are focused on getting a good result," said the coach.

Despite being sent off against the Paraguayans, Almada expressed his support for Máximo Banguera and therefore he will start in Ambato.

The Uruguayan insisted that the national championship is very competitive due to the investment that clubs have made to strengthen their squads.

"The tournament is very even and competitive, all the clubs have reinforced well and have made investments for that," said the Barcelona coach.

Barcelona will hold its final training session this morning and will travel to Quito in the afternoon, from where they will travel by land to Ambato.

The "amarillos" won their opening match in the local tournament against Universidad Católica with a score of 3-2.

"Técnico Universitario will be difficult, all the opponents that play against Barcelona get motivated and will want to beat us."
Guillermo Almada, Barcelona's coach

(D)