Messi fit to play against Mallorca

In this photo provided by FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi trains in Barcelona, Spain, on Friday May 8, 2020. Soccer players in Spain returned to train for the first time since the country entered a lockdown nearly two months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Miguel Ruiz/FC Barcelona via AP)

FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi will be able to hold his place on Saturday in Mallorca for the resumption of the Spanish Championship, despite some tightness in the right thigh, said his coach Quique Setien on Sunday.

The 32-year-old had trained alone at Camp Nou on Saturday after missing two sessions, creating doubt about his fitness for the trip to the Balearic Islands.

"Messi is not the only one who has not trained and feels embarrassed," Setien told Spanish chain Movistar. "This is what has happened to almost all the injured since their return."

"His problem is minor, the situation is under control, he is perfectly fine and will have no problem" to play on Saturday, assured the technician.

Lionel Messi, sixfold Ballon d'Or, pushed back the Camp Nou pitch on Saturday for the first time since football stopped on March 12 in Spain due to the pandemic of new coronavirus.

As for the state of form of the Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, operated on January 12 of the external meniscus of the right knee, and who obtained the medical green light to return to competition, Quique Setien was more circumspect: " He's better than expected, but the question is, what is his condition after such a long absence and whether he will be able to start the match? "

Barça are the La Liga leader two points ahead of their big rival Real Madrid before the 28th matchday, which begins Thursday with an Andalusian derby between Sevilla FC and Betis.