Rijkaard hails Messi
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ByEurosport
Published 21/02/2007 at 15:33 GMT
Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has hailed the return of Argentine starlet Leo Messi ahead of the Champions League last 16 tie with Liverpool. The 19-year-old has been out for much of this season with a broken metatarsal but his recent return to first-team
FOOTBALL 2006-2007 La Liga Lionel Messi Barcelona
Image credit: Imago
"We have missed him," Rijkaard conceded. "Lionel has improved greatly in recent weeks and is physically ready to play.
"He will provide things that the team needs."
Messi suffered the injury during a November match against Real Zaragoza and - after only returning ten days ago against Racing Santander - the Dutch tactician is watry of heaping too much expectation on the youngster.
"I do not want to put too much pressure on the player," he said.
"When he goes on the pitch, the only thing he wants to do is play. He has a lot of ability.
"It is expected that we should be pleased at his return."
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