Luis Enrique: Lionel Messi fit to play but uncertain for Clasico
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique said Lionel Messi will be a match-time decision for Saturday’s Clasico against Real Madrid.
Messi, 28, has missed two months with a knee injury. On Friday, Enrique declared him fit to play, but was unsure if he would be in the lineup for the rivalry match.
The Argentinean star recently returned to the practice field, a positive indicator. Earlier in the week, Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta and Luis Suarez were optimistic that he would be able to play.
Enrique admitted it was unlikely Messi would be at 100% given the layoff from game action, but was excited to have him close to full strength. He said he would speak with Messi and they would make a decision on Saturday.
Barcelona currently sits at the top of the table in La Liga with 27 points. With a victory, Madrid can pull even in the race, currently in second with 24 points.
El Clasico kicks off in Madrid at 12:15 p.m. ET Saturday.
- Jeremy Woo
