Lionel Messi is still not able to shoot with power as he aims for Clasico
On Saturday Lionel Messi tried a series of exercises with Barcelona's fitness coach Edu Pons, with and without the ball, including shooting at goal with his left foot - the injured leg - with good sensations, although not completely satisfactory. It is noted that he still has some physical work to do on his knee and needs a confidence boost to be able to shoot with full power.
In any case, this is not being viewed as a step back because it is the expected recovery process, that is being carried out against the clock as he aims to arrive ready to play in the Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.
PRIORITY
One of the priorities in the coming days, apart from that Messi keeps working with the group, will be that he can recover his ability and power to shoot with his left foot.
In addition, emphasis will be put on repeating the finishing moves that produced the injury to strengthen the ligament and minimize the risk of relapse. Once the player overcomes these two obstacles, the doors will be open for his return.
Messi, who trained with Barcelona B on Friday, still expects to be fit for the game, working as hard as he can to get on Luis Enrique's squad list, sacrificing holiday days to keep working.
It's clear that his week will be decisive for the player and that his feelings will decide his destiny, with his word the final one on the issue after consulting the coaches and medics.
CAUTION
From when Messi got injured against Las Palmas on September 26, the club have kept a halo of prudence around his return. They were hoping that he made his return before the Clasico, because those games are intense, stressful and tricky. But now the club are doing everything possible for Messi to be in Madrid.
