Solari hopes to see Messi in Copa del Rey El Clasico

The captain is an injury doubt

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is doubtful for this week’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against arch rivals Real Madrid. He picked up a knock in this weekend’s draw against Valencia. The final results from the leg injury are set to be due on Tuesday.

Real Madrid’s manager Santi Solari was asked about Messi’s likely absence in the leadup to the match. He said it would be best for Messi to be involved in the match because it was best for football overall.

“In football it is good for the best players to play in all games,” Solari said. “That is how it is.”

Santi Solari | Source

What’s interesting as well is in leadup to big matches often a team can be somewhat vague about a player’s injury status to help muddy the waters and game-planing by their opponent.

Solari was asked whether or not Messi’s status affected their preparation for the match and he answered with a smile: “Not at all”.