Zenga calls for Steaua strength

FC Steaua Bucuresti must play the delayed UEFA Cup tie with Villarreal CF tonight without the benefit of a competitive warm-up fixture after their scheduled weekend game at FC Gloria 1922 Bistrita was postponed due to bad weather.

Foot problem
With the Romanian league leaders denied the opportunity to restart their championship bid after the winter break, Steaua were left to play a practice match among themselves. Their next scheduled league fixture, the home derby with FC Rapid Bucuresti on 20 March, has also been postponed because the return against Villarreal has been fixed for that day.

Radoi race
"We were affected by the postponement of the first leg, but now we are OK and ready to fight," said 36-year-old midfield player Dorinel Munteanu. "People expect a lot from us, so there is pressure on us." Steaua's main injury concern centres on captain Mirel Radoi, who has a problem with his right foot but is expected to be available. Midfielder Florentin Dumitru could feature in Walter Zenga's plans, however, after returning from long-term injury.

Zenga confident
The Steaua coach said: "It's very good that we forgot about having eliminated Valencia. On Monday, we had the best training session since I have been at Steaua. I feel the boys are fully concentrated and ready for the big match. If you understand that it's necessary to play with heart and soul, you can be better than anyone else."

Comfortable winners
A 4-1 win against RCD Espanyol helped Villarreal climb into third place in the Primera División on Sunday. Diego Forlán gave the home team the lead with his 17th goal of the season and although Alberto Lopo pulled one back, Villarreal went on to finish comfortable winners with goals from Juan Pablo Sorín, Juan Román Riquelme and Luciano Figueroa.

Injury boost
Right-back Armando Sá, who is carrying a knee injury, was rested at the weekend but could feature against Steaua. The Spanish club are also lifted by the return of striker José Mari Romero and midfielder Javi Venta. Long-term injury victim Roger García is still working his way back to fitness following a knee injury and Sebastián Battaglia faces surgery on a damaged anterior cruciate ligament. Villarreal will also be without the services of Gonzalo Rodríguez and playmaker Riquelme, because of suspension.