Rijkaard to wait on Messi

ByEurosport

Published 17/05/2006 at 06:56 GMT

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard says he will leave the decision on whether to include Argentine forward Lionel Messi in his squad for the Champions League final against Arsenal until the morning of the match.

"The whole team is in good shape and Messi will join in training and we'll make a decision on the final 18 tomorrow," the Barça manager told a news conference on Tuesday.

"We are all happy that Messi is recovering and so is he but we'll have to wait until tomorrow to see."

Messi, 18, has been out since tearing a thigh muscle against Chelsea on March 7.

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Goalkeeper Victor Valdes said whether or not he played, Messi's return to fitness was a boost to the team.

FOOTBALL Valdes 06/04

Image credit: Eurosport

"Messi is very important for us but the decision as to whether or not he plays is down to the coach. He is working very hard to do his best to be ready."

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