Henry recalled but warned he 'must do better'

Euro Zone

Thierry Henry will be thrown a lifeline tomorrow when Barcelona face Valencia at the Camp Nou.

The Frenchman's season has fallen apart since his handball robbed Ireland of a World Cup place. But Barça's coach, Pep Guardiola, is set to recall him to take on a side he has scored six goals against in the three games he has faced them.

The former Arsenal striker has been openly criticised by Guardiola, who said: "He knows he has to be playing better than he is. If he is not in the team then it is, among other reasons, because other players are more inspired than he is. I think he has been playing better than he himself believes but I need him to have the same ambition that made him the best during so many years. I am sure he will deliver in these last few months of the season."

Tomorrow, Henry should step in for the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic as Barcelona attempt to move back to the top of the table, if only for a few hours ahead of Real Madrid's trip to Valladolid tomorrow night.

Higuain takes the blame

The Real Madrid inquest continues with Gonzalo Higuain way out in front in the blame stakes. The Argentine striker's 17-goal haul in La Liga has been put to one side as critics focus on his two first-half misses against Lyons on Wednesday night. The second opportunity was the more serious crime because Higuain had Cristiano Ronaldo screaming for a pass to his right. The criticism suits Real Madrid who have just offered the player a contract extension that leaves his salary well short of last summer's big signings.

Rooney proves too much for Berlusconi to bear

Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi turned off the television after Wayne Rooney's second goal for Manchester United in midweek, telling his guests that he couldn't bear to watch his side suffer anymore. Now his Milan must turn their attention to securing second place ahead of Roma but must do so without Alessandro Nesta – who has torn tendons in his right knee and needs an operation – for tomorrow's home game with Chievo.

Inter lose the plot against Catania

Internazionale go into Tuesday’s Champions League second leg against Chelsea with Jose Mourinho’s side being reined in by domestic rivals Milan after a shock defeat by Catania last night. The leaders threw away an early lead to lose 3-1 in comical fashion. Maxi Lopez equalised Diego Milito’s opener before Inter substitute Sulley Muntari – only on the pitch a minute – was booked for a foul and then handled the resultant free-kick to concede a penalty and be sent off. Giuseppe Mascara converted and Jorge Martinez added a third. Inter’s lead will be cut to a point if Milan beat Chievo tomorrow.