Valverde talks Messi, Busquets and Pique ahead of Leganes clash

Ernesto Valverde has faced the press ahead of Saturday’s visit from Leganes and given an update on the fitness of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.

The Barca boss said he’s unwilling to take any risks at this stage of the season, but he’ll wait until after today’s training session to make a final decision on Messi.

Here are the best bits...

Valverde on Messi

We’ll see how Messi is feeling after training. But, well, he rested from the start against Sevilla. He had some problems and didn’t play for the national team.

We’re going to see. He’s a player that wants to be active because he feels better, but we have to speak after training and see if he needs resting.

Valverde on Busquets

Busquets has some small overload but nothing more, but we don’t want to take any risks at this stage of the season. Rakitic can play there but we have other options.

Valverde on Leganes

I’ve been waiting for Leganés for the whole season. A team with enthusiasm, they play very well. It will be a tough match. We want to get the three points. We need 15 to be champions.

Now we have the best, the most beautiful, but also the most difficult games ahead. The supporters at the Camp Nou are always with us, tomorrow I’m sure they will also respond.

Valverde on Pique

Pique’s training normally. I think he’s in extraordinary form. Very good in defence, joining in attacks, It’s true he had that problem, but he’s overcome it.

Valverde on Riqui Puig

Riqui Puig is still a young player. He is training with the B team and he’s played for them this season. He has been training with us, too.

I’m just getting to know the players from youth teams. He has a lot of enthusiasm. I don’t know what the future holds for him, but we hope he has a big future at the club.

Valverde on tiredness and injuries

I’m not worried about the fatigue of the team, I’m worried if someone has some discomfort, but not fatigue

Vermaelen is a possibility for tomorrow, he has given a lot when he has played and he has proved to be a very capable player. Sergi Roberto can also play on the left side.

Denis Suarez has brought a lot in the last two games. We hope he continues like this.