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

Guardiola must decide whether to risk his Argentinian star...

Nov 24, 2009 7:08:08 AM

Messi, Ibrahimovic, Barcelona, Rubin Kazan (MARCA)

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Messi, Ibrahimovic, Barcelona, Rubin Kazan (MARCA)

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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

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