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La Liga | Gameweek 32
Apr 13, 2019 at 3.15pm UK
 
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Barcelona may rest Lionel Messi for trip to basement side Huesca

Messi was cleared of injury after a strong tackle from Chris Smalling.

Barcelona could rest Lionel Messi for their LaLiga clash with bottom side Huesca on Saturday.

The Argentinian star was given the all-clear after scans following a collision with Manchester United's Chris Smalling in the Champions League on Wednesday that left him bruised and bloodied.

But, with Barca 11 points clear at the top of the table and the second leg against United to come on Tuesday, boss Ernesto Valverde is set to make a number of changes.

Regarding Messi, he told a press conference: "It is possible that Messi will be rested. The blow was strong, as if a train passes over you. I spoke with him and it is a possibility."

Valverde insists he does not yet think that Barca are assured of the title but feels he needs to find the right balance.

"Circumstances are what they are," he said. "There may be changes tomorrow but we do not forget that we have 10 points left to be champions. No matter how much we think it is won, it is not, far from it.

"The intention of the changes is to strengthen us and be competitive. It's a risk, and it will also be a risk that they play on Tuesday. There are inactive players who have to play."

Huesca lost 8-2 when the teams met at the Nou Camp earlier in the season and sit six points adrift of safety but have improved through the campaign.

Coach Francisco said: "Everyone can understand that it is the best time to face Barca, because they are in the Champions League and come from beating Atletico to leave LaLiga almost wrapped up.

"But they always have the obligation to play well and win, regardless of the players who come.

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is set to make changes to his side
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is set to make changes to his side (Ian Hodgson/PA)

"We have to be aggressive, but we must be balanced against a rival that with space is going to kill you. We are going to suffer."

Top scorer Ezequiel Avila does not feel Messi's potential absence will make too much difference, saying on sdhuesca.es: "He is the best player in the world, but they have many other great players and they will not all be missing.

"We know that in this type of match we are not going to have many chances and that we have to take advantage of them."

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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