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MADRID. — Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has insisted that he will not rush Lionel Messi back into action for the Catalans’ top-of-the-table clash against Atletico Madrid next weekend. Messi hasn’t played since tearing his hamstring against Real Betis in early November and watched from the stands as Barca moved back to the top of La Liga with a 4-0 win over Elche on Sunday night.
However, the Argentine has returned to training and could feature at some point either at home to Getafe in the Copa del Rey tomorrow or three days later against Atletico at the Vicente Calderon. Martino, though, maintained he will only recall the four-time World Player of the Year once he is fully ready both physically and mentally to return.
“Whether he plays in one of the games this week depends on how he feels,” said Martino.
“He has to be ready not just physically but also mentally. It always takes players a while to mentally recover from an injury and I think that is the most important thing right now because physically he looks good.
“What we will never do is play him when he is not ready. We would not risk his fitness, nor the team. — AFP.
Online Reporter