MADRID, Sporting Alert – Lionel Messi has passed a fitness test and is available for Saturday’s El Clasico La Liga clash between Barcelona at Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Messi has been on the sidelines for club and country for two months after he injured a ligament in his knee, but returned to full training during the recent international break and is fit to play.
The Argentine captain isn’t expected to play the full game, but it is understood that club doctors have given manager Luis Enrique the green light on his medical clearance.
The 28-year-old took part in the team’s final training session ahead of the clash and will now awaits the final decision from Enrique.
Final training session for FC Barcelona ahead of #ElClásico https://t.co/UqRTGlyk7O #FCB pic.twitter.com/OqHBDgfPBb
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 20, 2015
“Whether Messi plays or not, I prefer him to play of course, the great news is that he is fit again,” Enrique said on Friday.
“When will I make the decision about Messi starting or not? I’ll talk today with him, tomorrow, and it’ll be decided an hour before the game.
“We know he’s not going to be 100 percent fit, coming back from injury, depends how he feels, but it’s great for us he’s back.
“Only the player can only tell you how he is feeling.”
Meanwhile, striker Karim Benzema, goalkeeper Keylor Navas and defender Sergio Ramos will all be available for Real Madrid in the El Clasico.
Frenchman Benzema has not featured for Real Madrid since early October when he suffered a hamstring strain, but the forward is now good to go.
Ramos (shoulder) and Navas (adductor muscle) are also back in training and manager Rafa Benitez confirmed that all three players are ready for selection.
“It is the second time we have had everyone available,” Benitez said. “I have a winning team that has the capacity to still get better.
“That everyone is fit gives us greater competition. It is important everyone is in the squad and available to play.”
The Real Madrid v FC Barcelona infographic https://t.co/UJoOJKHFXu pic.twitter.com/tWBP8XLsCp
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 20, 2015
Some of the TV channels carrying live coverage of the game includes beIN Sports, Fox Sports, Sky Sports and SuperSport.
