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Barcelona Hopeful over Lionel Messi Fitness After Playing Injured in El Clasico

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is a doubt for Sunday's trip to Athletic Bilbao after coming off the bench not fully fit to face Real Madrid in El Clasico on Wednesday, says Ernesto Valverde.

Messi was unable to affect the score as Barca drew 1-1 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. The substitute was carrying an injury from Saturday's 2-2 draw against Valencia, and Valverde told reporters about the knock his talisman carried at the Camp Nou in midweek.

He said: "The decisions you make are based on what you think is better for the team and the player.