Despite missing Lionel Messi through injury for much of this season, the Catalan side have also started to score more frequently over the last month, leaving them with 25 goals so far this season, just one fewer than today’s opponents.
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The Argentina worldwide has been missing since the end of September when he injured ligaments in his knee against Las Palmas.
So savour the moment when you watch the El Clasico cause it will take a while before Barcelona take on Real Madrid for the second leg.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said Messi may be able to play but won’t be fully fit for the match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I don’t have things planned that well”.
“Obviously he won’t be at 100 percent in physical terms due to the time he has been out but he is so important that to have him recovered at least gives us a few security”.
“Obviously we’re up against a great team but we’re confident going into the game and I think we’re going to do a great job”.
However, he has returned to training this week and could feature in this weekend’s top of La Liga clash.
“He’s recovered and fit into the group dynamics, but we first need to talk and see how he is [in our final training session]”.
Tensions will be running higher than ever when Real Madrid host bitter rivals Barcelona for the opening La Liga “Clasico” of the season on Saturday with Europe on high alert following last week’s deadly attacks in Paris. Neymar has contributed to nearly 75% of the goals Barcelona has scored in the absence of Lionel Messi and he will be ready once again to show his class against Real Madrid. “But, yes, I am concerned for the current situation in the world with respect to all these terrorist problems”, Enrique said.
Rafael Benitez confirmed Madrid are likely to be at full-strength despite recent injury concerns and the worldwide break, but Luis Enrique believes the spectacle will be all-the-richer should both sides field their strongest possible starting XI. Messi trained with the team this week, and will be a game-time decision. “Since last season, I’ve been playing my way, as I played before [at Santos], and I’m very happy”, he said.
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From the current form guide to interesting stats from the history book, there is over a century’s worth of El Clasico facts and figures to feast on, and we have brought together the best bits in this accompanying infographic.
