Lionel Messi returns to the Barcelona squad along with centre-backs Carlos Puyol and Javier Mascherano. PHOTO: AFP
Barcelona and Real Madrid will be boosted by the return of Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale this weekend as both sides prepare for a vital week in their season.
The Catalans are sitting atop La Liga, alongside Atletico Madrid, five points clear of Real having won all eight of their league games so far.
Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets does not want his teammates to lose concentration against a struggling Osasuna side with big games just around the corner.
“It won’t be an easy game for us in Pamplona, and we can’t be thinking about Real Madrid yet, he said. “One lapse in concentration could allow them to gain ground on us in the table.”
Messi’s return is not the only good news for Gerardo Martino’s men as centre-backs Javier Mascherano and Carles Puyol could both feature today.
Meanwhile, Real have the chance to temporarily cut the gap at the top to two points as they play first today against an improving Malaga side.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have been far from impressive despite winning six of their eight games, thanks in large part to last-minute winners away to Elche and Levante.
“Up to now we’ve had some poor games and our problems have been made worse by the fact that Barcelona and Atletico keep winning,” said Ancelotti. “We need to play better, the criticisms are fair.”
Although not expected to start, Bale should feature at some stage as he continues to recover from a thigh injury.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 19th, 2013.
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