Barcelona Won't Decide On Messi's Inclusion Until Last Minute

Guardiola must decide whether to risk his Argentinian star.

Messi, Ibrahimovic, Barcelona, Rubin Kazan (MARCA)
A decision on whether Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is available to face Inter in their crucial UEFA Champions League clash at Camp Nou will not be made until the last minute, according to Sport.

It is understood that Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also a doubt but is more likely to start the game against his former club than his Argentine strike partner.

Messi spent Monday working with club physiotherapist Juanjo Brau in a bid to be ready for this vital game, and it is understood that coach Pep Guardiola will wait until the last possible minute to decide on whether to play his star forward.

A win is a must for Barcelona tonight but they also face Real Madrid on Sunday in the Primera Liga and any further injury to Messi or Ibrahimovic could have disastrous consequences for the rest season.

Among the many permutations in Group F, should Barca lose to the Nerazzurri and Russian champions Rubin Kazan defeat Dynamo Kiev, the champions will be out of the Champions League so Guardiola must decide if the risk is worth the reward.

Paul Madden, Goal.com


Sun, sand, bikinis! The Beach Soccer World Cup, the hottest tournament in the world, layers the lotion in the November issue of Goal.com Magazine.


 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI

    Goal.com put together its dream team for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine

  2. RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai

    Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.

  3. ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams

    Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.

  4. ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite

    Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.

  5. LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth

    With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.