Barca travel early due to ash cloud

The Barcelona team will travel to London on Tuesday due to fears of volcanic ash from Iceland drifting towards England ahead of Saturday's Champions League final.

The Spanish champions were due to head to England on Thursday for this weekend's Wembley showpiece against Manchester United, but have opted to arrive two days ahead of schedule.

A Barca statement read: "To avoid possible disruption due to ash from the volcano Grimsvotn, the Barca first team will travel to London today at 2200hrs (on Tuesday)."

Barca spokesman Toni Freixa will appear at a press conference at the Nou Camp at 1700 local time (1600 BST) on Tuesday afternoon to provide further information to supporters.

The eruption of the Grimsvotn volcano has already led to airlines cancelling a number of flights to and from Irish and Scottish airports.

Coach Pep Guardiola has spoken of his concerns over disruption that could be caused to both the team and the fans - many of whom will travel on the day of the match - and promised the Catalan club would take every precaution.

"I hope the volcano sleeps a little bit longer," he said.

"The important thing is that they tell us; whatever they say we'll do with the maximum anticipation possible.

"If they tell us we can't risk the trip then we'll travel (on Tuesday) or the day after.

"If not, we'll travel like we planned - we will not take any risks."