FC Barcelona manager Luis Enrique revealed that Lionel Messi is fit to start against Real Sociedad on Saturday at the Camp Nou.
However, midfielder Sergi Roberto, who suffered a thigh strain against AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, has been ruled out of Saturday’s encounter. Club captain Andres Iniesta and Javier Mascherano have also recovered from their niggling injuries and are fit to face Real Sociedad.
Messi not 100% fit: Enrique
Speaking to the media ahead of his side’s clash against Real Sociedad, Enrique revealed that the Argentine superstar was still not 100% fit.
“Leo is not yet at 100 percent, he needs to get more match fitness,” said Enrique (via ESPNFC). “He needs playing time to get into best condition possible. But he does not need to be at 100 percent to make the difference.”
Asked about the possibility of his players fading out as the season progresses, Enrique said, “I am not afraid of that, not at all. We are getting players back fit now, and will have some more [Vidal and Arda] in January.
“When the window comes we will see what the situation is. I am also in favour of strengthening and improving the team. The idea is to be ready for when the trophies are won at the end of the season.”
Luis Enrique: “Tomorrow there are three key points in play to stay leaders.” https://t.co/oxENpmhnXo | #FCBLive pic.twitter.com/BwNKRH0LJv
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a FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 27, 2015
Commenting on the match in general, Luis Enrique said that he expects a tough battle against Eusebio’s Real Sociedad. “With Eusebio they will have a plan,” he said. “He knows our play for sure, although many coaches know perfectly how Barca play. The have a plan, but then Messi gets the ball, dribbles past three players… that happened to me two years ago [when Luis Enrique was Celta Vigo coach].”
Enrique further revealed that Sergi Roberto will miss out, while Mascherano and Iniesta are fit to start on Saturday.
