The 'very tired' Barcelona trident just days away from El Clásico
Messi, Suárez and Coutinho are right on the limits after two gruelling games and Barça are hoping they can get enough rest ahead of Copa clash.
Lionel Messi is resting at his house in Castelldefels. A few meters away, his neighbours, Luis Suárez and Philippe Coutinho do likewise. The three Barcelona stars formed the attacking trident against Valencia yesterday afternoon in the Camp Nou and rest is now the key word ahead of the Copa del Rey first leg against bitter rivals Real Madrid.
Rest for Messi, Suárez and Coutinho
Ernesto Valverde's attacking trio didn't have their best game but despite this their Argentine talisman popped up with two vital goals, one from the penalty spot and then another to draw level, picking his spot beautifully.
In the home dressing room after the game there was silence. There was disappointment that they had dropped two points in the title race, but certainly no blame put on any player. For the most part, everyone was concerned about the injury picked up by Messi. The number 10 required a massage on his right thigh during the game, and was still in some discomfort. It was let slip from the changing room that "he was very tired, following Wednesday's efforts against Sevilla". More will be known about the extent of his injury on Monday but early signs suggested he'd be available for Wednesday's game.
Sunday is a rest day for the players. Monday will see them return to the training sessions in preparation for the fruits of their labours against Sevilla, that Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg against Los Blancos, one which the capital players have made clear was their preferred draw.
"I am sure that having more than 24 hours rest will be good for Lionel and the team. For everyone, Suárez and Coutinho, too. They were also exhausted after Saturday," acknowledged someone from inside the Barça changing room, clearly concerned about Messi's situation.
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