Lionel Messi Could Still Be Fit For Barcelona - Real Madrid Clash
The talismanic forward hopes to return in time for El Clasico...
The Argentine suffered a leg injury during the 1-1 draw at San Mames on Saturday night and it was initially believed that the 22-year old was definitely out of El Clasico and also the vital match against Inter in the Champions League in midweek.
However, club doctors have carried out more stringent tests and have declared that the knock is not as serious as initially feared and that Messi could feature in both encounters.
A source close to Goal.com confirmed that Messi is fully expected to start the match at the Camp Nou next weekend against the league leaders while a decision will be made prior to kick off whether to risk him against the Italian side.
Messi’s injury sees him join the growing list of casualties for coach Pep Guardiola. Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic faces a fitness battle to face his former side as a result of a hamstring injury, while both Yaya Toure and Rafael Marquez have been tested for flu-like symptoms over the weekend.
Paul Macdonald, Goal.com
Hosted by Stephen Crawford & Adam Scime
We've had two tremendous matches today, so lets hope the intensity keeps up in the next clashes!
Until next time, this is LIVE commentator Stephen Crawford signing off.
From everyone here at Goal.com, thanks for joining us!
Here's the thoughts of Benfica coach Jorge Jesus, who felt his side deserved a point from the game.
"They were the better team on the night and that's the story of the day.
"We have to keep fighting, pick ourselves up, get the confidence back and challenge in the other competitions and in the second leg of this tie too.
"They punished us on every occasion; they scored some quality goals and they deserved to win."
Full story HERE
“The score made it look like it was an easy game, but it certainly wasn't.
(Strange... it looked pretty easy from where I was sitting, but hey.)
“I do not think it's over yet. I remember a clash between Milan and Deportivo la Coruna when Milan was also ahead by four goals, and in the end Deportivo eliminated Milan.
“I went into the Arsenal dressing room after the match to speak to Robin van Persie. I had agreed with him to swap shirts – my sons are big fans of his and he brought two for them. They will be delighted.
Van Bommel went on to talk about a possible move to PSV in the future, but was quick to point out his terms for the move.
“I've spoken with PSV, but we don't have an agreement yet. The club has to decide what they want.
“If Louis van Gaal turns out to be the new coach, I won't go.”
"Tonight everything went in the right direction and we did a very good match. You don't start a match thinking to win 4-0, but at the end i think we deserved it coz we played very well."
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