Lionel Messi was named in Barcelona’s squad on Tuesday ahead of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid but coach Ernesto Valverde insists he will not take any risks with his captain’s fitness. Shortly before training, Valverde had said in a press conference: “I have not seen him yet and I don’t have an answer. – Valverde cautious over Messi fitness –Valverde indicated he would be cautious with Messi’s fitness. “I am not very supportive of taking risks when there are so many games ahead,” Valverde said. “It was already complicated in January but with this semi-final at a very high level, more league games, more games in the Champions League knock-out stages, we have to walk a fine line.

Source: Punch February 05, 2019 20:37 UTC