Leo Messi could be rested for Sunday’s match with Almeria as a precaution. Messi has a slight muscle strain but will almost certainly be named in the squad for the game. However, unless he is 100% fit, Rijkaard may decide it is better not to take the risk of causing a more serious injury.

Messi trained apart from his team mates today and is following a specific recovery plan to get him back to full fitness.

After seeing his below par performances against Villarreal and Rangers I think it might be better to give him a break. Barça need Messi at his best, and while Eto’o is still injured we can’t afford to lose him. With Giovani and Bojan crying out for more minutes, a home game with Almeria is probably a good time for Messi to rest. Perhaps he could be named as a substitute and only used if things are not going well.