Barcelona FC coach Tito Vilanova confirmed earlier on today that Messi has completed today’s training session without any discomfort. The Barca coach refused however, to disclose whether the Argentine would be in his starting lineup against Betis on Sunday.
“There are still many hours left before the kickoff and tomorrow we will evaluate the situation together with the doctors and Leo and decide whether he can start against Betis or come on and play for a while,” he said.” Vilanova added that the most important thing is that the Argentine is ok and doesn’t have any discomfort or pain in his knee.
Tito Vilanova made it very clear that if Messi plays on Sunday it is because there is not the slightest risk of a relapse. “If there was the slightest risk, like any other player, he would not be travelling. If Messi travels with us tomorrow morning it’s because he can play.
The Barca coach also spoke about Alexis Sanchéz and Dani Alves, and said that both had recovered from their injuries “ahead of schedule.” Speaking of Alves, Vilanova said: “He was fine physically before the injury and hopefully he’ll get back on track soon”. He also rubbished ideas that Alexis would return home to Chile and stated that there had never been any doubts about that.
The Barca coach took time out to call for caution against Betis, a team that has already put the Catalans under the kosh in the past.
“It is very good team and coach Pepe Mel has always made our lives difficult,” he said. “We only have to remember the cup tie when they were in the second division”. “I think it’s the worst I’ve game ever experienced as a coach”. “Taking this into account and the fact that they also beat Real Madrid, we can’t forget that they can be a tough rival,” added Tito.
Finally, when asked about the condition of Eric Abidal, who is recovering from a liver transplant, Tito Vilanova again made it clear that it would be the doctors who decided when he returns.
Speaking of Abidal’s expiring contract and his future as a Barca player, Tito said: “I have no record of any problem with his contract, and I’m sure from the club’s point of view, all that matters is that he fully recovers from his illness.”
Gud talk by tito about abidal &others