The Barcelona skipper suffered a knock in the victory over Granada last time out ahead of the club’s Spanish Super Cup tie.
Ronald Koeman confirmed Lionel Messi was among several players to suffer ‘some discomfort’ against Granada, but insists the Argentine is fine.
Messi continued his flawless start to 2021 by bagging a second consecutive brace in Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Granada last weekend. However, Martin Braithwaite replaced him in the 65th-minute after the captain suffered a knock.
But Koeman has played down any fears over Messi ahead of the Spanish Super Cup semi-final tie between Real Sociedad and Barcelona on Wednesday night in Cordoba.
“The other day, there were several players who felt some discomfort, one of whom was Leo,” said the Blaugrana manager as quoted on Marca.
“That’s why we subbed him off, like Frenkie [de Jong] and [Sergino] Dest, but it seems that everyone is available for tomorrow.
“That includes [Ronald] Araujo. Although he didn’t train this afternoon.”
Barcelona appear to have turned a corner under Koeman lately, having won six of their last eight La Liga games (D2) without defeat.
“I think the team is confident and focused,” added Koeman. “We have improved in that sense.
“Also, when we don’t have the ball, the team is together and leaves no space. Then there is the quality of our players from midfield.
“But Leo has also played as a false 9 in several games. Everyone, in general, is more confident.”
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