Luis Enrique has dismissed any concerns over the fitness of Lionel Messi ahead of Barcelona's clash with Sporting Gijon on Saturday.
The Argentina star is reported to have been
limited in first-team training since the 8-0 thrashing of Deportivo La
Coruna on Wednesday.
There had been fears Messi could be forced to sit
out some of the Liga title run-in, but Luis Enrique says he is fully
fit to face
Abelardo's side.
Abelardo's side.
"Messi is in perfect condition. He took a knock against Depor. He trained well and is ready for tomorrow," the Barca boss said on Friday.
Looking ahead to the
game, the coach continued: "There
have always been surprises if you look at the last 10 seasons,
especially in the last five. We have to be prepared to make sure this
affects the others and not us.
"The teams at the bottom of the table have to win and the fans in the home games will be vital."
Luis Suarez scored four goals and set up another
three in the Riazor rout and has now scored 49 times for the season in
all competitions.
Luis Enrique, however, was keen to highlight the
contribution of the entire team, rather than single out the Uruguay
striker as the most in-form star.
"Right now, after such a great result, I'm
going to say it was great play by the entire team - the goalkeeper, the
defenders, the midfielders who helped our attackers," he said.
"Not many can get four goals and three assists, it's fantastic, but we look from the perspective of the team."
The coach went on to defend the form of Andres
Iniesta following Barca's disappointing run of three consecutive league
defeats prior to Wednesday's game.
"I think he's been good all season, just as
well as last season, when he was incredible. He's decisive on and off
the field, there are few players who have the intelligence he does to
create spaces and operate in attack and defence. He's a unique player."
Barca unveiled the designs for the refurbishment
of Camp Nou on Thursday - a multi-million euro project which will see
the exterior of the ground revamped, a roof added and the capacity
increased to just over 105,000.
Luis Enrique welcomed the prospect of a rebuild
but rejected any suggestion that he is worried his transfer budget will
be restricted as a result of the cost.
"I think it's fantastic to improve a unique stadium," he added. "The
idea they have looks great. It'll be a few years and they'll need the
cooperation of fans and members because we need to keep playing in
different conditions.
"I'm not worried at all [about funds]. The
president said very clearly that the sporting side would not be
affected. We have to consider that this is a difficult team to
reinforce, we have many of the best players in the world. But I'm
completely relaxed."
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