Lionel Messi, Frenkie De Jong To Be Risked By Ronald Koeman Ahead Of El Clasico

Ronald Koeman has no intention of resting Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong forward of subsequent week’s El Clasico, regardless of each gamers being one reserving away from a suspension. (More Football News)

Barca can be trying to lengthen their 18-match unbeaten run in LaLiga after they welcome Actual Valladolid to Camp Nou on Monday.

Messi and De Jong are each accessible for the sport because the Catalan giants look to maintain the stress on leaders Atletico Madrid, who’re 4 factors higher off forward of Sunday’s journey to Sevilla.

Nonetheless, each gamers danger being banned for subsequent Saturday’s showdown with bitter rivals Actual Madrid, having every been booked 4 instances already this season.

However whereas the pair could also be strolling a disciplinary tightrope, Koeman is able to danger star man Messi and central midfielder De Jong in opposition to Valladolid.

“We all know that these two gamers are one card away, however it’s not the time to relaxation gamers resulting from playing cards or freshness,” he mentioned at Sunday’s pre-match information convention.

“We have now ten video games left. There’s at all times the danger, however the most effective factor is to place the workforce out that I believe can win the sport.”

Messi has been straight concerned in 23 league objectives in 2021 – 16 objectives and 7 assists – which is greater than some other participant within the high 5 European leagues. 

The Argentinian has had a direct hand in eight objectives in his final 4 LaLiga video games in opposition to Actual Valladolid – 4 objectives and 4 assists.

These purpose involvements have helped Barca to 13 wins of their earlier 14 LaLiga video games in opposition to Valladolid, with the one exception being a 1-0 defeat away from residence in March 2014.

Sergio Gonzalez’s facet have received simply one among their previous 11 league video games, however Koeman won’t take Monday’s opponents calmly.

“It’s a must to be ready, you’ll be able to’t assume that will probably be a straightforward recreation,” he mentioned. “We have now to go in with numerous power and rhythm and be good with the ball.

“We have now to get again to our degree. It could possibly be a recreation with out issues, however you at all times should work arduous to win.”

Gerard Pique returned to coaching this week after recovering from a knee drawback, whereas Sergi Roberto can also be closing in on a comeback after two months on the sidelines.

Koeman will make a late resolution on whether or not the defensive duo are able to play a component in opposition to Valladolid.

“They’re coaching with the workforce these days. They’ve improved so much,” he mentioned.

“These are choices that can be made tomorrow after the final coaching session. We aren’t going to take dangers [with injuries], nor subsequent week, as a result of there are extra video games coming this season.”