Vilanova to sit out Cordoba game

Barcelona will have to make do without the services of Tito Vilanova for Thursday’s Copa del Rey match at home against Cordoba.

The 44-year-old is set to undergo medical tests, assistant coach Jordi Roura has confirmed.

Vilanova recently returned to the Barcelona bench after undergoing surgery on a tumour in December, but his place will be taken by his number two again for this week’s cup match.

“Tito will not attend Thursday’s encounter at Camp Nou. He had to leave for a series of medical tests and will not be available,” Roura said.

The Barcelona caretaker boss then went on to praise David Villa, saying that the experienced striker no longer needs to prove himself as he has already proven his worth over the years.

“I wouldn’t say that the Copa del Rey match is a chance for Villa to prove himself. He does not need to prove himself,” he said.

“We all know that he is an extraordinary player. He always works hard and is still very important for Barcelona.”

Barcelona won the first leg of the round-of-16 match against Cordoba 2-0.