Real Madrid manager, Santiago Solari hopes Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi is fit to face his side in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg for the good of the game.
Solari also said that the Argentine’s presence would not affect his game plan, NAN reports.
It is unclear whether Messi, the all-time top goalscorer in Spanish football, as well as in the ‘Clasico’, will be fit for the game.
Messi had ended Barca’s 2-2 draw with Valencia on Saturday with a knock.
His club has not given an injury update on him.
“It’s always good when the best players get to play every game, but whether or not he [Messi] plays will not influence the way we prepare for the game at all,” Solari told a news conference on Tuesday.
Messi was out with a broken arm the last time Barcelona and Real Madrid met back in October.
But Barca barely missed their talismanic forward, thrashing Real Madrid 5-1 in what proved to be Julen Lopetegui’s last game in charge before Solari took over.
Meanwhile, Solari has practically a full squad at his disposal, with only little-used defender Jesus Vallejo unavailable.
“It’s harder to pick a team when everyone is available, but the important thing is that every player puts their talent, ability and effort at the service of the team,” Solari added.
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