This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
Barcelona's return to action after a three-month suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic is just around the corner, with the team set to face Real Mallorca on Saturday.
Coach Quique Setien has confirmed that Lionel Messi is fit and ready to play, despite missing three training sessions last week due to some discomfort in his thigh.
“He is perfectly fine, he has trained with the rest of his teammates and he feels good. I don’t see any problem,” Setien said in a press conference on Friday.
La Liga restarted on Thursday and will finish on July 19, with each team playing their remaining 11 matches over just 39 days. An intense period of fixtures will stretch players like Messi, who will be crucial to Barca’s title bid.
Barcelona sit two points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the table, and Setien believes that Messi and other experienced players will be able to manage their fitness levels during this challenging period.
“We will have to play it by ear, fortunately Messi and a lot of the players with experience know how to manage themselves. If any risk arises, he will be the first one to say that he needs a rest,” Setien said.
Setien also provided an update on other key players, including Luis Suarez, who has recovered from a knee injury but may need time to find full fitness. “He is likely to play but it may not be for the whole game,” Setien said.
Defender Nelson Semedo is available despite breaking La Liga protocol and having to train alone on Thursday. Semedo had reportedly attended a gathering of more than 20 people earlier in the week.
“Whether he plays or not will not be because of this careless or unfortunate thing he did,” Setien said. “He made a mistake and he’s apologised to everyone.”
