Barcelona star Lionel Messi faces further fitness problems ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Real Madrid.
The Argentine star Messi picked up a thigh injury during his decisive display against Valencia on Saturday after he converted his 50th La Liga penalty and then pulled his side level with a second-half strike. But needed treatment on the touchline shortly afterward when he pulled up with thigh injury.
Although he returned to see out the 2-2 draw with Los Che at Camp Nou, coach Ernesto Valverde confirmed that Messi might have some problems . And the case is to see if he will be available to feature against fierce rivals Real Madrid .
Coach Valvarde said :
We will have to wait to see what medical staff say. If he’s in good shape, he’ll play on Wednesday [against Madrid]
We understand that the 31-year-old was still struggling with the injury on Monday and did not take part in normal training with his Barca team-mates. Barca will assess their top scorer again on Tuesday to see if he is in good enough shape to feature against Real Madrid.
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Valvarde Considering Messi Replacement
If found Messi unfit , Valverde could opt to name him among the substitutes in case he is needed. returning from injury , Valverde will welcome Ousmane Dembele back to the team for the midweek encounter.
The winger has missed Barca’s last four games with an ankle injury but is back in normal training this week. The France international will be named as part of the squad and is in contention to start in his second ElClasico.