Lionel Messi will know how to manage his own fitness within La Liga’s rapid end to the season but has no injury problems ahead of Barcelona’s return upon Real Mallorca on Saturday, says coach Quique Setien.
Messi missed three training sessions last week with some discomfort in his thighs but has been back in full training since Monday. “He is perfectly healthy, he has trained with the rest of his teammates and he is feeling well. I don’t see any problem, “Setian told a news conference on Friday.
Barcelona resumes away at Mallorca after the three-month postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic. La Liga restarted on Thursday and will finish on July 19, with each team playing their remaining 11 matches over just 39 days.
An intense period of fixtures will stretch players like Messi, who will be crucial to Barca’s title bid. They sit two points forward of Real Madrid at the top of the table.
When asked if Messi could play all 11 games, Setien stated: “We will have to play it by ear, fortunately, Messi and a lot of other players with experience know how to handle themselves. If any risk rises, he will be the first one to say that he needs a rest.”
