‘Leo is at the point where he might be available’: Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde claims Lionel Messi could feature against Inter Milan just over two weeks after breaking his arm
- Barcelona take on Inter Milan at San Siro in the Champions League on Tuesday
- Lionel Messi could return in Italy, little more than two weeks after his arm break
- Messi was a surprise inclusion in Barcelona’s squad list for the European clash
- The Argentine and five-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to training last week
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde claimed captain Lionel Messi could feature against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday, little more than two weeks after breaking his arm.
Messi was a surprise inclusion in the squad list as he was expected to be out of action for three weeks after breaking a bone in his right arm on October 20.
The Argentine forward returned to training last week and may be able to help Barcelona secure progression from Group B on Tuesday at the San Siro.
Lionel Messi trained with his Barcelona team-mates at the San Siro on Monday evening
Messi could feature against Inter Milan in the Champions League, claims Ernesto Valverde
Valverde will hope Messi is fit enough from the start as Barcelona look to secure a last-16 spot
‘Leo is at the point where he might be available, but we have to wait for the training session. We have to see if he’s safe to play,’ Valverde told reporters on Monday.
‘In terms of his play and his movements, he’s fine. We have to wait. … It’s always better if he’s there. Of course it’s necessary to get Messi back as soon as possible.
‘There are three or four possibilities. One is that he plays from the start, or he comes on, or he goes off. What we won’t do is take any risks.’
The Argentine forward was in high spirits on the eve of the highly-anticipated European clash
Barcelona have picked up a maximum nine points in their opening three group games
Rafinha passes the ball prior to Barcelona training at the home of the historic Serie A outfit
Barcelona train on Monday night in the Italian capital, after which Messi may receive his medical clearance from Barcelona’s doctors.
‘I don’t know if (Messi) will play tomorrow but I am happy he is back with us,’ added versatile Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto.
‘It’s clear that we were worried about his absence, he’s the best player in the team and in the world.’
Barcelona won the four games they have played without Messi, including beating Inter Milan 2-0 at the Nou Camp and thrashing Real Madrid 5-1 in La Liga.
Jasper Cillessen saves an effort on goal on the eve of the Champions League fixture
Valverde spoke to the media at the San Siro, where he was questioned about Messi
Talking about Messi, Sergi Roberto said Barcelona ‘were worried about his absence’
