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With Sunday’s ‘Clasico’ Real Madrid match ahead, Barcelona has expressed its concern about the health of its star players Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Both of them did not play for Barcelona on Tuesday’s match against Inter Milan due to thigh strains. But then Barcelona did not feel much concerned about their absence as Henry, Pedro Rodriguez and Andres Iniesta showcased a good game.
But even if they recover, it does not look as if they will be playing on Sunday as the Barca coach Josep Guardiola has mentioned on Thursday that as always, I will pick the players that I think are in the best condition".
When asked if he was concerned by the fact that Real will come to the Camp Nou one point ahead of Barca, he replied that "they are the leaders, of course, but how could they not be so after spending 270 million euros?", which is the amount spent by Real last summer.
There are chances that Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the Manuel Pellegrini's starting line-up on Sunday. He will be in for the first time in the two months.
According to certain sections of the Spanish media, Pellegrini has received orders "from above" to play the Portuguese winger from the start.
Ronaldo, who was recuperating the severe sprain of his right ankle, which he underwent in September, succeeded the bench during the 1-0 win over FC Zurich on Wednesday.
"I am tired," said Ronaldo after his reappearance, "because I am still not a hundred per cent fit. I am really starting from zero, but I am sure that I will be the same player as before the injury, scoring goals, winning matches and helping the team."
He added that "I want to play in the 'Clasico' if I feel well, though that is the responsibility of the coach."
