Reuters
Barcelona, Nov 19: Barcelona striker Luis Suarez stated here Wednesday that even though mate Lionel Messi is looking sharp in training he remains a doubtful starter for Saturday’s ‘El Clasico’ against Real Madrid.
Messi is in a fitness battle having returned to training Monday following a knee injury he picked up at the end of September. “Whether he plays or not is down to the coach, the medics and how he feels but he has been looking sharp in training. However, it is the type of injury where there are risks for the future,” Suarez told a news conference.
“Messi is a player who makes a difference in all games and in ‘Clasicos’ he has always made a big impact but we will have to see if he is ready,” the Uruguyan striker added.
In the absence of the four times World Player of the Year, Suarez and Neymar have excelled and propelled Barca to a three-point lead over Real at the top of La Liga. Still Suarez is in no doubt over the value of Messi for the clash.
“Leo is above any other player due to what he has achieved and what he is still doing,” said Suarez. “Neymar is amazing, behind Messi and could easily be the second best in the world. At the moment he is playing incredibly and it is great to see. We knew that we were going to be without Leo and that we had to be strong both physically and mentally. We are happy because we have picked up good results without the best player in the world.”
The game will also be a test for Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez. He has been under pressure because of his defensive tactics with talismanic striker Cristiano Ronaldo constantly complaining that he is not getting ‘proper supply of balls upfront’. But the Spaniard himself is not worried.
“It takes time for a team to adapt to a particular style and Real are no exception,” Benitez said. “You have to remember, that we did not have Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez for extended periods. So attacking options were limited.