The Argentine has been sidelined due to injury since September and is fighting to pass a late fitness test ahead of the clash against their bitter rivals Real Madrid. He picked up the injury during Barcelona’s win over Las Palmas but Adriano claims he ''would put money’’ on the four-time Ballon d’Or winner being fit for the much-anticipated fixture.
Leonel Messi writhes in pain after picking up and injury while in action for Barcelona
.jpg)
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the 31-year-old Brazil international explained:
''He (Messi) is recovering very well, doing everything to get to the game and to have him in the team changes a lot.’’
He added:
''There is a difference when he plays or doesn’t, but in his absence, we’ve managed to come together and move forward in matches.’’
''Every day he's been the Leo we're accustomed to: laughing, joking, and doing things with confidence.’’
''Would I put money on him playing in the Clasico? Hopefully, yes.'’
Barcelona have been in superb form since Messi’s absence, having lost just once in the La Liga, and won seven out of their last nine matches in all competitions. Although the Blaugrana have an effective firing power with the likes of Neymar and Luis Suarez all available for selection, they will still need the instrumental Messi to torment their weekend opponents and boost the confidence levels of his teammates ahead of the high-profile derby.
El Clasico facts
- Lionel Messi is the all-time top scorer in the El Clasico with 21 goals
- Real Madrid have the most wins in the El Clasico (92)
- The El Clasico has been played a total of 262 times.
- Out of the 262 meetings, 33 are exhibition matches and 229 are competitive matches
- Manuel Sanchis is the player with most appearances in the Spanish derby (43)
- The last time the two sides met was on March 23, 2015, when FC Barcelona won 2-1
The next meeting between the two sides will be on November 21, 2015 at the Santiago Bernabeu, the home of Real Madrid.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
