..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp undecided on Sturridge return

Jurgen Klopp is undecided on whether he will use Daniel Sturridge when Liverpool take on Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The England international has missed the past seven matches after suffering a knee injury, but returned to full training on Tuesday.

Liverpool are in need of a boost after slipping to 10th in the table, but Klopp suggested he would be reluctant to take risks with Sturridge, who has struggled to stay fit for extended periods over the past 12 months.

"He is as good as he can be after the long break," Klopp said of his striker.

"He has trained with us but of course he is not 100 per cent yet. I will decide this on Friday. He has been out for five weeks and hasn't trained much.

"I think Thursday was only the third full exercise with the team although as a striker, sometimes, five minutes are enough. I will have to see and think about it after the press conference.

"He has to train now, that is for sure. For four and a half weeks, he could not train. No cycling or running.

"But first of all, he is on five-year contract, everyone wants to see more of him but we have to find the right balance and we will see.

"I have to decide on this. We know his qualities are outstanding. When you see Daniel in training and he does something, you say 'ooh, nice'. We know his qualities are outstanding."

 

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Irwin backs Darmian & Depay to come good

Former Manchester United defender Denis Irwin believes Matteo Darmian and Memphis Depay will come good despite their mixed starts to life at Old Trafford.

Darmian started the season as a first-team regular following his transfer from Torino, but has lost his starting berth at right-back to Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia in recent weeks.

Anthony Martial, meanwhile, has been preferred to Depay on the left flank of late although the Frenchman's injury could give the former PSV winger a chance to make his mark.

"Darmian came in and started fantastically well, but I think when you are getting used to the Premier League you sometimes go off the boil," Irwin told the Manchester Evening News.

"As Memphis Depay has as well, you go off the boil a little bit, but they'll come back stronger.

"Darmian's got competition because Ashley's done unbelievably well there. I don't know how Ashley sees himself, whether he's a winger or just glad to play, but he made one recovery tackle at [Crystal] Palace recently when he came on which was unbelievable and he has played very, very well.

"But Valencia got injured and Darmian has had a rest, so you never know, it's down to the manager. Sometimes a break does you good.

"You see it's a different culture, a different climate, a different pace of football, so I'm sure Darmian will be in there challenging for a position again."

 

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Centre-back Stones a must-start for England - Murphy

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy claims there will be something fishy going on if Everton's John Stones is not a starting centre-back for his country at Euro 2016.

Stones impressed with a classy display at the heart of defence during England's 2-0 friendly victory over France at Wembley on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old has also been floated as a possible contender to fill the right-back slot by Roy Hodgson, but Murphy has offered the England manager some colourful advice.

"Come the start of the Euros next year, I will be at the game and if John Stones isn’t starting I will gladly walk down and get Roy, Ray Lewington and Gary Neville and slap them all with a wet fish because he is so far ahead of the other centre-halves in our country in terms of his ability to come out with the ball and pick a pass," the former Liverpool and Tottenham player told TalkSport.

"He is just so comfortable. When you have got a centre-half who is good on the ball, able to go past someone, come out with the ball and see the bigger picture - as a midfielder and striker it frees up time for you and gives everyone more confidence in what you are trying to do.

"[Chris] Smalling, [Gary] Cahill, [Phil] Jagielka and [Phil] Jones are all good players, all very talented lads but, for me, they are competing for one spot. If Stones is fit, he starts."

Murphy likened Stones' style to that of Rio Ferdinand, but he fears England lack other similar talents to reach the performance levels of the former Manchester United great.

Murphy added: “I would say he is further on than Rio at the same age. I think he is the real deal and very much worth getting carried away about.

"There is no one else in that England squad that stands out that is going to be the next Rio, the next [Steven] Gerrard, the next Michael Owen. There are some good players but none are at his level in terms of potential."

 

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Iniesta believes Messi can make Clasico

Andres Iniesta says the "feeling" around Lionel Messi's participation in the Clasico on Saturday is positive – and has dismissed suggestions Barcelona will face a weak Real Madrid side at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Messi has been absent since injuring his knee against Las Palmas on September 26 but has rejoined training this week and could make his return in the Spanish capital.

Iniesta said at Thursday's media conference: "The feeling on Messi is good. Between today and tomorrow we will see how he is for Saturday.

"If we have Messi from the start we have a better chance of winning. Afterwards we can analyse it and see if we've made the right decision.

"Having Leo with us is fundamental for us but, if he can't play, we still have players in the squad capable of competing with Real Madrid."

Barca are three points clear at the top of La Liga and will face a Madrid side that has come in for criticism for a perceived negative style of football under new boss Rafael Benitez.

Add in injury concerns surrounding Karim Benzema and continued speculation over the happiness of Cristiano Ronaldo and it seems a good time for Barca to go into the season's first Clasico.

The experienced Iniesta has been around too long to underestimate Madrid, however.

He added: "When they ask me about Real Madrid I always say the same thing regardless of their manager, how they are playing… they are always a very powerful opponent. They have some of the best players in the world in every position.

"If you look at their stats this season you can see they are doing very well in defence and in attack - just look at the players they have, they can score goals. Real Madrid against Barcelona is always going to be a difficult game for us, and for them too.

"We've had some good results at the Bernabeu in recent years but to get them you have to play pretty much perfect football because you are playing against a team that demands that.

"Looking at the way things are in the table it's unlikely there will be a big win either way. Sometimes the teams are in different situations in the table but [at the moment] we are evenly matched. We are three points clear but there's no reason why we should feel any more comfortable."

 

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Klopp: I've heard no bad words about Sterling

Jurgen Klopp expects Raheem Sterling to be treated with respect when he lines up against Liverpool for the first time as a Manchester City player.

The winger upset many Reds supporters when he rejected a new contract at Anfield before completing a move that could be worth up to £49 million to the Etihad Stadium.

The two sides meet in Manchester on Saturday but Klopp insists he has heard nothing negative about Sterling from inside the club since taking over from Brendan Rodgers.

"That is football – it is normal and nothing special," Klopp said when asked about the 20-year-old's return.

"Former players play against their old club. I don't know how many friends Raheem has here but he is a good player.

"He played here, had a good time here and I have heard no bad word about him. He is a good boy. So be friendly, shake hands, then it is time for football."

Klopp reiterated that another former Liverpool player, Steven Gerrard, would be welcome to train with his squad during the MLS off-season.

"He is on holiday and he did not have much holiday when he left Liverpool for LA," he added. "So he is on holiday now. We spoke about many things, but he does not train next week, he wants a holiday.

"But if he wants to train at Melwood, then of course he can. He has used Melwood for about 500 years, it is no problem."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Courtois returns to Chelsea training

Thibaut Courtois has trained with the Chelsea first-team squad as he steps up his rehabilitation from a knee injury.

The Belgium international had surgery on ligament damage in September and has not played a game since, with manager Jose Mourinho stating he was unlikely to return until December.

Courtois' recovery appears to be on track after the Premier League champions confirmed he completed a session with the squad earlier on Thursday.

"Thibaut Courtois is back training with the group as part of his ongoing rehab," the club posted on Twitter.

Courtois has only played three times in Chelsea's dreadful title defence so far this season, with the Blues collecting just 11 points from their opening 12 matches.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter unlikely to sign Pirlo, admits Ausilio

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has ruled out a January bid to sign midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

The veteran Italy international is reportedly pursuing a temporary move during the MLS off-season in order to bolster his chances of making Antonio Conte's squad for Euro 2016.

Antalyaspor chairman Gultekin Gencer has this week claimed the Turkish club are poised to strike a deal for the New York City ace, while Inter have been persistently linked with a move for their former player.

Ausilio, however, has poured cold water on the speculation, telling Gazzetta TV: "There's not a lot you can say about Pirlo the footballer. I don't think there's anyone who doesn't rate him but we have to be realistic, too.

"We might not have a player like him in midfield but we have plenty of quality there and numbers-wise we're okay too."

Inter have also been linked with Lazio star Antonio Candreva and Sassuolo's Domenico Berardi, but Ausilio does not consider either player to be a realistic target.

"Candreva is a very good player who is important for Italy as well, but there's nothing going on there. I don't like to waste time and I know it wouldn't be easy to enter into talks with Lazio for that sort of player," he said.

"Berardi is another great player and he supports Inter to boot. But he's a Sassuolo player and his future is pretty clearly set out."

Ausilio went on to confirm Inter's interest in Marko Grujic of Red Star Belgrade and Cesena's Stefano Sensi, while he also discussed the futures of Andrea Ranocchia and on-loan Barcelona full-back Martin Montoya.

"As for Grujic, I took advantage of the international break to go and watch a game but he wasn't the only player we were watching. He's a talented youngster, one of the best in Europe. We've made contact with the boy, in agreement with his club, but there are no negotiations as such at this stage.

"Sensi is another very interesting player and we generally try to keep an eye on up-and-coming youngsters.

"We have Ranocchia, Miranda, [Jeison] Murillo, Juan Jesus, [Nemanja] Vidic... They're all quality players and we're glad to have them in our squad. Of course if someone were to ask to leave then we'd sit down and assess things with him but we've never had that sort of conversation with Andrea.

"Montoya is here on loan from Barcelona and he hasn't had much game time yet. We'll look at his situation soon.

"We worked well in the summer and I don't believe we need to do much. Roberto Mancini is happy with the players he has at his disposal and realises there's a lot more potential within the squad.

"Mostly we'll be looking to let a few players who haven't played so much go out."

 

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Iniesta: Too early to write off Real Madrid

Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta has rejected assertions that Clasico rivals Real Madrid go into Saturday's match at the Santiago Bernabeu wounded.

Madrid are under pressure going into the game against treble winners Barca having lost 3-2 to Sevilla in their final match before the international break and with star forward Cristiano Ronaldo short of his prolific best form.

But the match will only be both sides' 12th in La Liga this season and Iniesta feels it is too early to make any judgement about either team, regardless of the result, with his team potentially moving six points clear at the top with a positive result.

Asked if Barca would be playing against a wounded Real Madrid, Iniesta said: "People can use whatever analogies they like, but it is very early to say anything like that after 12 games.

"It is a bit early to be painting things as so good or so bad. We are three points ahead but let's not get comfortable - we have to try to win at their stadium and widen the gap between us and them.

"We know we are playing against a Real Madrid side who will be trying to draw level with us. I don't think we are talking about deepening wounds; we just have to go their play well and try to come back in an even better position.

"It is not decisive because it is so early in the season but it is very important from a morale sense."

 

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'Abramovich knows Mourinho is the right man for Chelsea'

Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo insists Jose Mourinho has the full backing from Roman Abramovich.

The Premier League champions currently sit 16th in the Premier League having suffered seven defeats in their opening 12 games.

Mourinho has already been given the public support by Chelsea but Emenalo, who is one of Abramovich’s closest allies at Stamford Bridge, insists the Russian billionaire “has the whole picture” of the current situation at the club.

“When it comes to decisions, we feel confident we have an owner who has a very good track record, who is astute at making decisions of this kind at the right time to get us to where we want to be,” Emenalo said in an interview with The Daily Telegraph.

“We have never put ourselves in a position where we second-guess him. Part of the reasons he can make those decisions and be successful is because he has the information that a lot of people don’t.

“He has the whole picture of what is happening at the club, not just from certain individuals but every sector of the club. When he needs to make a decision he can make it.

“Right now, the statement from the owner and from the board comes from a belief that we are in a position to trust a manager who has delivered so much. We are in a position to trust a group of players who have delivered in the last couple of seasons. We are in a position to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel and therein lies our confidence, that we can get out of the situation.”

Emenalo also insists Abramovich “cares deeply” about Chelsea’s current predicament and claims he goes through the same emotions as a supporter.

“He is deeply, deeply passionate about football and about English football and this club,” said Emenalo.

“It means everything to him and that is why he makes the investment and wherever he is, he finds a way to watch matches. He cares deeply, so when things aren’t going well it affects him in the same way it affects a fan.

“Right now what is he thinking? He is feeling like the rest of us who are fans. More so. He is feeling that his precious club that he supports is not doing well.

“I think he goes through the varied emotions of ‘how can I help?’ and ‘what is going wrong?’ He is definitely looking forward to the club getting into a winning groove again. More importantly he wants to make sure that we don’t lose what we have achieved in the last 10 years, which has earned the respect of the football fraternity.”

 

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Donnarumma fired up to better Buffon

Gianluigi Donnarumma says he is fired up to best Gianluigi Buffon when AC Milan meet champions Juventus in Turin on Saturday.

The 16-year-old is set to line up against the Old Lady after impressing in the absence of Diego Lopez, and will come face-to-face with the Italy veteran for the first time in his career.

Having previously professed his hope of emulating the career of the World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Donnarumma says the chance to compete against his idol on the pitch gives him some added motivation.

"I hope to swap shirts with him on Saturday. Playing against Gigi gives me extra motivation," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "But I mainly want to win the game, maybe without conceding any goals."

Donnarumma denied that the prospect of facing Juventus on home soil could prove daunting given his inexperience.

"I don't feel pressure. Yes, San Siro is impressive, and you can feel it a bit there. There'll be a great atmosphere at the stadium, but I'm not worried," he said.

Donnarumma - who also revealed he rejected the chance to join Inter's academy in favour of Milan - says Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer is another goalkeeper to whom he looks up.

"Neuer stops everything. It's impossible not to admire him," he added. "I've always wanted to do that, to be a goalkeeper. As a child I asked to stay in goal. Of course, I then hoped to win major trophies, but I've already realised my dream."

 

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Ronaldinho backs Neymar to be a Premier League success

Ronaldinho believes Neymar would be capable of being a success in the Premier League.

Manchester United were keen on a move for the Barcelona forward in the summer, while the Brazilian’s father admitted earlier this week that the player could leave Spain due to his ongoing tax fraud case.

And Ronaldinho, who won two La Liga titles and the Champions League during his five seasons at Barcelona, insists his fellow Brazilian has enough quality to thrive in England.

“He could and would succeed at any league in the world,” the 35-year-old told the Daily Mirror.

“Of course, there are always transition periods. But when you have that much ability you will succeed in any league in any country.

“England is not an easy league to succeed in, but yes of course he would be a success there.

“I can’t see why Barcelona would want to allow him to leave, but if he was to, I’m sure that it would have to be for a record fee.”

 

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De Gea should remain in England - Flores


David De Gea should reject a move to Real Madrid and remain in the Premier League with Manchester United, according to former coach Quique Sanchez Flores.

The Watford head coach took over at Atletico Madrid shortly after De Gea made his professional debut for the club and oversaw the early stages of his development as a professional at Estadio Vicente Calderon.

Spain international De Gea was at the centre of a long-running transfer saga earlier this year, with a long-mooted move to Real Madrid dramatically falling through on deadline day.

Flores will renew acquaintances with De Gea when United visit Vicarage Road on Saturday, and believes his former charge would be best served by remaining in England.
"It would be perfect for David and for the Premier League to keep him in English football for long," he told reporters.

"He has learned a lot playing here in England. When I arrived at Atletico Madrid he was third-choice keeper and after one month he was first, because he was amazing.

"I am really pleased with the evolution of David. He is in the top three best goalkeepers in the world. He has everything.

"I got a present after two years when we separated - it was a watch, antique, golden on a chain, that I have kept - so he is a very lovely guy."

 

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Martinez: Barcelona can buy back Deulofeu

Barcelona can re-sign winger Gerard Deulofeu from Everton under a €9million buy-back clause at the end of this season, Roberto Martinez has confirmed.

Everton brought Deulofeu back to Merseyside in a €6m deal during the close season, following a fruitful loan spell in 2013-14.

Deulofeu failed to break into Barca's first team on the back of his initial taste of the Premier League and a loan stint with Sevilla in La Liga was also unsuccessful.

In selling Deulofeu, Barcelona insisted on a buy-back option spanning two years – a decision taken in view of their current transfer embargo.

The 21-year-old has been in impressive form of late for Everton and Spain Under-21s, after scoring a hat-trick against Georgia and a double versus Croatia during the recent international break.

Despite the clause in Deulofeu's deal, Martinez insists that a number of factors written into it work in Everton's favour.

The player cannot be bought back in January, nor could Barcelona swoop for Deulofeu simply to sell him on immediately for a profit.
"They can't do that," he explained at a news conference. "There are certain things in the deal. They can't take him back in the winter so they can't take him back in January. It can only be at the end of the season."It is €9m for the first year and €12m in the second year. "If they take him back they can't sell him for a season, so he has to stay in the first-team squad for a season.

"At the end of that if they decide to sell him we have got first rights of getting him back or we have got a big percentage of that deal.

"There is nothing we can do if they activate it. That was the deal and the only way we could access the player in the terms that we wanted. I'm delighted with the deal."

Martinez added: "For us to have a player of that quality for the money we paid, if we lose him it will be on a profit financially so we would be able to use the money.

"And you want the player. You're talking about a Barcelona player who has been all through his years as the golden boy believing he is going to be at the top level at Barcelona and we got him for a very good price.

"I'd like to tell Barcelona that he's rubbish but they come to watch our games."

 

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Martial & Rooney ruled out of Watford clash

Manchester United forwards Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial have both been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Watford.

Martial injured his foot against England at Wembley on Tuesday meaning he will miss the trip to Vicarage Road, while Rooney is suffering from an unspecified illness.

Despite that setback, United boss Louis van Gaal is hopeful both players will be fit in time for next week's Champions League group stage clash with PSV at Old Trafford.

He said to MUTV: "It’s not as heavy as everybody has written in the media, but he [Rooney] cannot play against Watford.

“Maybe PSV for Martial but it's not certain, and I think Rooney shall also play then because illness is not something that lasts for many days. And Valencia, of course, has been operated on before the international break already, then [Luke] Shaw, so we have five injured players, and that's a lot.”

The pair's absence adds to a growing injury list which also sees Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Antonio Valencia unavailable, while James Wilson will be involved on Saturday but still isn't match fit.

Van Gaal added: "Valencia, of course, was operated on before the international break, then [Luke] Shaw, so we have five injured players, and that's a lot.

“Wilson is okay after the international break. He can play but he cannot play a whole match because he doesn't have the rhythm of the game.”

United resume their Premier League campaign on the back of the international break sat in fourth place in the table, two points behind joint leaders Manchester City and Arsenal.

 

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Main strikersla 2nnama nathuwa kawda forward play karanneDepay & Mata?​

 

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Neymar: Clasico not as hostile as Brazilian derbies

The Clasico is widely regarded as one of the biggest games in football, but Barcelona star Neymar says it doesn’t compare to some of the rivalries back in his native Brazil.

Barca travel to Real Madrid this weekend with the chance to extend their three point lead at the top of La Liga.

However, the Santiago Bernabeu can be a tough place to go, with former Los Blancos manager Jorge Valdano famously suggesting most visiting sides suffer from “stage fright”.

But Neymar, 23, is not fazed by Saturday’s tip to the Spanish capital.

“I’m accustomed to hostile atmospheres, in Brazil there is a great rivalry surrounding these type of games,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

“In fact, compared with what I have experienced in Brazil, I am calm ahead of the match against Madrid.

“A game between Santos and Sao Paulo or Santos and Palmeiras is really tough.”

Neymar has played in four Clasico fixtures since moving to Spain, scoring two goals in the process.

His first came in a 2-1 win at Camp Nou in 2013 and he says that strike will stay in his memory forever.

“I’d always dreamed of playing in a Barca-Madrid game and with my family and friends at the stadium, I scored,” he said.
“I had some luck because I wanted to to put the ball through one player’s legs with the shot, but it went through two [first Dani Carvajal, then Raphael Varane].

“I was fortunate because a goal going through the legs of two players is not normal.”

The Brazilian also opened the scoring at the Bernabeu last year, but he’s hoping to do “even better against Madrid than I have done up until now” when the two sides meet this weekend.

Given his form for Luis Enrique’s side - 13 goals in 14 appearances this season - that’s not out of the realms of possibility.

He continued: “I am having a great year, since last season I’ve been playing my way, like I played before, and I am really happy.

“I feel at home, the first year was a learning process. The second was better and now I feel like part of the family.”

Neymar also lauded, once again, his relationship with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in Barca’s front three.

They scored 122 goals between them last season and are hopeful of welcoming Messi back into the fold after his injury for the match against Rafael Benitez’s side.

“We’ve surprised people because no-one expected us to connect as well as we have done,” he added.

“People said we wouldn’t have a good relationship, but I knew it wouldn’t be like that.”

 

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Benzema in Real Madrid squad for Clasico - Benitez

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez confirmed Karim Benzema is fit for Saturday’s top of the table La Liga clash against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The French striker has been missing since sustaining a hamstring injury while on international duty in October, but trained with his team-mates on Thursday.

Speaking on Friday, Benitez confirmed Benzema is available, although he wouldn’t confirm if he would start the match.

“Benzema is in the squad,” the former Liverpool boss said at a press conference at the club’s Valdebebas training ground.

“He has trained well and we will decide tomorrow if he plays or not.”

Madrid welcomed Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez back into action against Sevilla two weeks ago and Benitez is at last beginning to see the end of the club’s injury crisis.

Sergio Ramos will definitely play against Barca despite having to have injections to manage a shoulder problem, while Keylor Navas, who missed the Sevilla loss, could also start.

“Ramos will play the Clasico,” Benitez continued. “He’s the captain and he will be there.

“Keylor is getting better. He’s trained all week and he’s in the squad with all the others.

“It should be the second time this season that we have nearly everyone available for selection.

“We have all the players and the competitiveness between all of them - obviously we will play the strongest team we have because it is Barcelona.”

Madrid have home advantage for Saturday’s Clasico, but they go into the fixture three points back from Luis Enrique’s side.

 

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Bolt: I'm the answer to Manchester United's problems!

Athletics icon Usain Bolt believes he is the answer to Manchester United’s problems, claiming that he would be given a five-year contract were he to undergo a trial at Old Trafford.

The Jamaican sprint star has previously aired his desire to play for the club while Alex Ferguson was in charge at Old Trafford and was once presented with a shirt before a home game.

However, the six-time Olympic goal medallist holder believes that he is now in a position to go one step further and has called on Louis van Gaal to give him a chance to prove his worth.

"In my mind I think I should do a trial and see if they would say 'Alright, come on in' or if they would say 'No, you are not any good',” Bolt told MUTV.

"I think I would be pretty good because I am fit, I am quick, I can control the ball and I understand all of the play.

"So I think if I do a trial then they would say, 'You know what, here is a contract for five years! You are 30 years old, here's a five-year contract. Let's just do it!'"

Bolt, the world-record holder at both 100 and 200 metres, would certainly add some pace to the wings!

 

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Bolt: I'm the answer to Manchester United's problems!

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Messi won't be 100% for Clasico, says Luis Enrique

Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique has confirmed Lionel Messi is available for Saturday’s Clasico, but stressed he will not be “100 per cent fit” for the trip to Real Madrid.

Enrique wouldn’t be drawn on whether or not Messi will start the match at the Bernabeu, though, saying he will make a decision on his line-up as close to kick off as possible.

The Argentina international has been missing since the end of September when he injured ligaments in his knee against Las Palmas.

However, he has returned to training this week and could feature in this weekend’s top of La Liga clash.

“With respect to Leo, he’s back with the squad and the feelings are positive,” the Barca boss told a press conference.

“There’s still today’s [training] session and things we have to talk about. We know he won’t be 100 per cent, that’s impossible because he’s just coming back form injury, but it is great for us to know that he is recovered.”

Pushed on if Messi would start, Enrique responded: “I don’t have things planned yet. I will speak with Leo today and again tomorrow. An hour before the game, things will be decided.

“I watch all my players training, especially those coming back from injuries. You can see things, but it is the player who can tell you how he is feeling, how confident he is.

“I can tell you Leo is excited about his comeback. The great news is he is fit again.”

Ivan Rakitic is also in contention for the game against Real Madrid despite injuring his calf against BATE Borisov in the Champions League earlier this month.

Initial fears were that the Croatian midfielder would be out for a month, but he has trained this week and Enrique confirmed he is available for selection once again.