Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been the centre of attention in training in recent days. Since he was left out of the squad for the Champions League game against Inter Milan, everyone's been waiting to see if he will get the green light to feature against Real Betis this weekend.
Messi once again trained as normal with the first team on Friday. Ousmane Dembele did not take part as he did work in the gym as he recovered from a stomach bug. Also involved in the session were B team players Chumi, Juan Miranda and Riqui Puig, although the former is the only one likely to be in the squad on Sunday.
Barça hope Messi could also be in the squad, although he's still waiting for medical clearance after breaking a bone in his arm against Seville last month. The sensations are good, but the medics, Ernesto Valverde and Messi himself will make the final decision on Saturday.
Saturday will also be a key day for Samuel Umtiti, who could also make the squad for Sunday's match -- although it's unlikely he will be rushed back before the international break.
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Considering all injuries, sickness and fatigue there seems to be no need to risk anyone with a squad this deep. Rakitic deserves a break after starting every game this season and Vidal has proven that he deserves a start. Malcolm to start since Coutinho and Dembele are unavailable and he has proven to be a winning force. Unlike popular opinion Roberto should start instead of Rafinha since he has a better work-rate: both attacking and defensive. The crosses and runs he will make for the in-form Suarez will be unimaginable. The rest is as usual. Hope they don't risk any players especially Messi. We will win this Forca Barça