Quique Setien tells Barcelona not to risk Lionel Messi against Real Betis

Real Betis boss Quique Setien reckons Lionel Messi should not make his return from injury against his side on Sunday at the Camp Nou.

The Barcelona captain is closing in on a return to fitness, but unsurprisingly Setien believes he should wait until after the forthcoming international break.

“Personally I think Messi should wait a little longer, I wouldn’t risk him,” he said.

“After that there’s the international break - he’ll have two weeks to get back to full fitness. Any slight fall could have serious conseqeunces.

“He’d only miss two games and Barça are doing well in both competitions - there’s no need to risk him.

“Having said that, of course I’d love to see him out on the pitch, who wouldn’t? It’s a joy to watch him play”.

Source | AS

Betis can be tricky opponents, although they’ve had a problem scoring goals in La Liga so far this season. They’ve managed just eight, only Valencia have less, and three of those came last time out in a 3-3 draw with Celta Vigo.