Lionel Messi again in Barcelona squad for Copa del Rey match
Image Source : AP Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is again within the Barcelona squad that can face second-division membership Rayo Vallecano within the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
Messi has not performed within the Copa del Rey this season however coach Ronald Koeman is predicted to make use of him within the round-of-16 recreation after lacking two matches due to a suspension. Messi had been rested earlier than that due to an unspecified minor health drawback.
“He’s fresh and isn’t feeling any ailments,” Koeman mentioned Tuesday. “To win things we need Messi to be in good shape and playing at the level that he can play. He is excited to play. He is the kind of player who wants to play in every match. We will look at our opponent and tomorrow we will know exactly who will be in the starting 11.”
Messi acquired a two-match suspension for hitting an opponent away from the ball late within the group’s 3-2 loss to Athletic Bilbao within the Spanish Super Cup ultimate on Jan. 17.
He didn’t play in opposition to Cornellà within the spherical of 32 of the Copa del Rey final week, nor in opposition to Elche within the Spanish league on Sunday. Barcelona gained each matches 2-0.
The Catalan membership trails Spanish league chief Atlético Madrid by 10 factors and is three factors behind second-place Real Madrid coming into the second half of the season. Atlético has a recreation in hand.
Barcelona has performed nicely this 12 months regardless of the loss to Athletic within the Spanish Super Cup. It has gained 4 straight league matches, all away from house. The Catalan membership is unbeaten in 9 consecutive league video games.
Rayo is coming off a loss to Mallorca however beforehand had gained six in a row in all competitions. It sits fourth within the second-division standings, in good place to earn promotion.
Barcelona defender Sergiño Dest is not going to play Wednesday due to a “thigh discomfort,” the membership mentioned.
The Copa del Rey’s spherical of 16 remains to be performed in one-game matchups.
“The Copa is a shorter match, with fewer video games, and we play to win it,” Koeman mentioned. “I wish to see my group with this profitable mentality, similar to it confirmed till now.
