Lionel Messi injury latest: Ernesto Valverde keeps Barcelona fans and Real Madrid waiting over star’s fitness

Ben Hayward5 February 2019

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has said he will make a decision on the fitness of Lionel Messi for Wednesday's Clasico clash against Real Madrid in this evening's training session, but added that he will not take risks if he feels the Argentine is not right.

Messi received treatment for a thigh problem in Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Valencia and although the Catalan club were confident he would be ready for the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Wednesday, the 31-year-old missed Monday's session.

Asked in his pre-match press conference if the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would play against Real, Valverde said: "I don't know. We will have to assess him. If he is in condition, he will be on the list. But if not, he won't be."

And he added: "I don't believe in taking risks when there are a lot of matches ahead. If a player plays, it is so he can give everything. You can't be playing and having to put the brakes on."

The Barca boss was also asked what effect Messi's possible absence would have in the Clasico. "I'm not the one to answer that," he said. "We all know the player that Leo is and what he transmits to our fans."

Messi trains ahead of Copa del Rey clash Photo: REUTERS/Albert Gea
REUTERS/Albert Gea

Messi was out the last time Barca played Real, but the Liga leaders still managed a comprehensive 5-1 win over Julen Lopetegui's Madrid side in that fixture back in October, which led to the sacking of the Basque coach.

Messi receives treatment in the Valencia game on Saturday Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

"Morale counts for a lot," Valverde said. "They usually play good games here. They were a little bruised when they came here for the league game and we are expecting Madrid's best version [this time]."

The 54-year-old, who admitted he does not "know anything" about Samuel Umtiti's recovery process, did not appear overly optimistic about Ousmane Dembele returning in tomorrow's game.

"He has trained separately from the group and we will see how he feels today," he said of the French winger. "The idea was to have him join up with the others. He is recovering as planned."

Barca had said he would be out for two weeks, however, and that time period elapsed at the weekend. One player who definitely will not be involved, though, is goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, a hero in last week's 6-1 win over Sevilla.

Dembele has been out for over two weeks and was expected back by now Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

"He was irritated when he picked up his injury," Valverde said. "He was very excited about this semi-final. But he will get over it. He has to recover. He was at a great level."

Another player at a great level is Madrid's young forward Vinicius Junior and Valverde was asked about the 18-year-old, who will be playing in his first Clasico on Wednesday.

"He has self-confidence and he has pace," the Barca boss said. "He dares to take players on. He is making good progress with Madrid."

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