La Liga giants Barcelona are currently without two of their deadly attacking MSN trio – Lionel Messi and Neymar – but could witness their return to fitness in time for Sunday’s clash with River Plate.
The Brazilian ace, the Blaugrana’s top scorer this season with 16 goals this campaign – 14 in La Liga and 2 in the Champions League – suffered a groin injury the evening prior to the Catalan giants last group stage game in Europe against Roma.
La Pulga, with an impressive 8 goals in 11 games – 5 in La Liga and 3 in the Champions League – succumbed to renal colic, ruling him out of the 3-0 semi-final win over Guangzhou Evergrande, alongside the Selecao captain.
Messi: 'It's never fun to miss any game, but I hope to get better to be able to help in the final.' #FIFACWC2015
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) December 17, 2015
However, Luis Enrique is confident that both South American attackers will be injury and illness-free in time for Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final.
"The team is in good shape," the Asturian boss revealed in a pre-match press conference.
"We were in good shape in Barcelona and we were good in the semi-final on Thursday and we will be in good shape for the final on Sunday.
"They [Messi and Neymar] are fine and both are getting better: There is still a training session to go and plenty of time before the game."
Leo and Neymar’s return would go a far way in boosting Barcelona’s odds of beating Los Millonarios, as they seek to become the first side to win the trophy three times, having lifted the title in 2009 and 2011.
Record Barcelona in 8 games at Club World Cup: 6W - 0D - 2L #fcblvie Goals: 21-5 [via @barcastat]
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) December 19, 2015
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