While Barcelona remain silent about Lionel Messi’s health, Real Madrid’s only concern is who to leave out for their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Wednesday.
Messi, the all-time top-scorer in Spanish football as well as in the ‘Clasico’, ended Barca’s 2-2 draw with Valencia on Saturday with a knock.
And the suspense about Messi’s right leg injury entered a third day on Tuesday, with Barca still quiet about the full extent of the problem and not saying whether he will be available.
It was an unusual delay by the club, which normally is quick to release reports about its players’ injuries.
Real coach Santiago Solari said the uncertainty wasn’t affecting his team’s preparations.
“It’s always good to have the best players playing in every match,” he said on Tuesday. “Whether he plays or not, it’s not going to influence how we prepare for the game.”
If Messi plays it will be because he is fit. Barca have indicated they will not risk their captain with a gruelling month ahead.
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The draw at home to Valencia means their lead in La Liga is six points over Atletico Madrid and eight over Real, but with games away to Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla and then Real in the next four weeks, there is little room for complacency.