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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
1Barcelona18122450203038
2Atletico MadridAtletico17115131112038
3Real Madrid17114237162137
4Athletic Bilbao1896327161133
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal167542827126
7Real Sociedad177461611525
8Osasuna176742225-325
9Real BetisBetis176652021-124
10GironaGirona176472325-222
11Sevilla176471823-522
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas175482227-519
15Leganes174671523-818
16Getafe173771114-316
17AlavesAlaves174491928-916
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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