Luis Enrique claims that Lionel Messi's rehabilitation is going as planned by the club, but did not reveal when Barcelona expects the forward to return.
Messi has been sidelined with injury since the end of September. It was hoped that the Argentine national team captain would be ready for the match against Madrid's Real on November 21. However, reports in Spain suggested that the Barcelona star had setbacks in his recovery and would miss the El Clasico. Nevertheless, Luis Enrique seemed unconcerned about the player's healing process.
"I have no news. He is recovering normally considering the injury he suffered. Every player needs to undergo slightly different rehabilitation, but as far as I know, he is progressing well, as a footballer should with such an injury," the coach said on Tuesday.
When asked if he thought Neymar took on a leadership role when Messi was injured, the Barcelona coach replied: "That is a question I have not heard before! When we have Messi in the lineup, we can play a little differently. But I always ask players to do everything they can and rely less on the help of other players."
Barcelona's team, even without their leader, is currently sharing the top spot in La Liga and leading Group E of the Champions League this season.
