Ronald Koeman has spoken about his happiness with the physical condition of FC Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi ahead of Sunday’s Liga Santander clash against Huesca.
Messi missed Barca’s last Liga game against Eibar at Camp Nou on December 29 as he had only just returned from Christmas holidays.
Koeman has now revealed that he is pleased with Messi’s fitness and morale, and is not troubled by the fact that he has not yet decided his future.
“He (Messi) is doing well,” Koeman said of the Argentine in a press conference on Saturday.
“He trained on the 30th and 31st, while the rest were off”.
“He doesn’t have any discomfort. He is ready, happy and motivated. He is important for us.”
“I think you have to see his situation, where he carried out the interview and that he said he does not want to make a decision just yet. Like any player whose contract is ending, he is free to decide what he wants and how he wants.
“He has shown that he wants the best for this team. I don’t see any problem if he doesn’t decide now. We don’t have to be nervous or worried.”
The Dutchman has another injury headache ahead of the clash, with the news that Philippe Coutinho will be sidelined for three months.
“It is a significant loss. If we talk about Ansu, Pique, Sergi Roberto… almost all have been starters in the team,” he said. “We’re lacking players. It is a problem. We are working with those available, who try to do the maximum, but we are lacking players with quality.
“It’s bad luck. We already have several long-term injuries. For me he has always been important. He has to recover. We have to see how we can make up for Coutinho’s loss.”
“The issue is not just Antoine”Antoine Griezmann continues to struggle for goals, but Koeman believes it is not just the Frenchman who is to blame.”
