FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi dribbles past Real Madrid's Jese, Toni Kroos, and Cristiano Ronaldo during last March's El Clásico. (Photo : Getty Images)
According to FC Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, his superstar forward Lionel Messi is "fit and available" for this Saturday's El Clásico match with fellow powerhouse club Real Madrid, but he will be a match-time decision for the defending La Liga champions.
It has been almost two months since Messi suffered an internal collateral ligament tear in his left knee during Barça's 2-1 victory over Las Palmas at the Nou Camp.
Days before the actual game, rumors that the Argentine forward will not play for Enrique's side during the most highly-anticipated match of the Spanish season have emerged, saying that team doctors have not allowed him to play and that it would be too risky for the 28-year-old's long-term health.
However, The Score recently posted a message by Barcelona's 45-year-old manager through the club's official Twitter account that says "whether Messi plays or not, the great news is that he is fit again", which means that there is a chance that fans will see the four-time Ballon d'Or winner perform during the long-awaited showdown.
ESPN have also recently indicated that "club doctors on Friday gave him medical clearance to play", further boosting the probability of having Messi in the classic matchup at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Teammate Luis Suárez said that Messi is "positive" to play and the only question is whether he will start or come off the bench, but the final say will still be coming from Enrique and Messi.
"I'll talk today with him, tomorrow, and it'll be decided an hour before the game," the coach said. "We know he's not going to be 100 percent fit, coming back from injury, depends how he feels, but it's great for us he's back."
"Only the player can only tell you how he is feeling," he ended.
