SAVIOLA STUNNED BY FATHER'S DEATH
Saviola senior died in a private hospital in Buenos Aires on Tuesday after succombing to cancer.
The 19-year-old's father was admitted to the hospital last Wednesday after his condition worsened and Barca allowed their young protege to return to Argentina to look after his dad.
Saviola's official debut will be delayed because of this reason. The player was increasingly worried about his father's health and one of the reasons he had asked River Plate for a transfer to Barca was to enable him to pay for special medical treatment for his dad.
Barca paid $26 million (£18 million) for Saviola the highest scorer in the history of the Under-21 World Cup, although they will be without the striker and possibly Rivaldo for their Champions League game with Wisla Cracovia on Wednesday in the Champions League qualifier in Poland.
Rivaldo has been subject of an extraordinary battle between the Brazilian football federation and Barcelona, with the CBF threatening to call for the removal of the Catalan side from the Champions League if they continue to protest.
Reports in Spain indicate Saviola could fly to England and play in friendlies against Derby County and Blackburn Rovers.
"I believe that in a day or two it he could leave Argentina, and could arrive before we travel to England. It is necessary to speak with the player to see if he is can come and play and if it interests him to escape the house for a few days," said Barca coach Carles Rexach.
"We thought that it was not such a terminal situation. The news has hit hard in Barcelona, but it is going to be hardest of all for Saviola, because he is a very young boy whom we will have to support his first season without the support of his father, to whom he was very close," added Rexach.
Barcelona's vice president Angel Fernandez confirmed that Saviola wants to return as soon as possible to Buenos Aires.
"President (Joan) Gaspart has spoken with him. His desire is to make sure the funeral is very private and it will be for the best for him to be with his companions. If it is possible, he will arrive on Thursday or Friday, to travel to England," said Fernandez.
