Ernesto Valverde Doubts Lionel Messi Can Perform Against Bilbao

  DBasia.news –  Barcelona will visit the Athletic Club Bilbao headquarters in the first week of La Liga, Saturday (8/17) 2:00 a.m. WIB. Lionel Messi is doubtful for this match.

Messi, 32 years old, had suffered an injury on his calf and missed the Barcelona pre-season tour in the United States. Plus the unfit conditions after undergoing additional holidays after following the 2019 Copa America, it is unlikely that Messi will appear against Bilbao.

“He (Messi) is in the process of recovery and I do not know whether he will be ready for the start at LaLiga. It looks challenging (Messi appearing against Bilbao),” said Ernesto Valverde, Barcelona coach, confirming the small possibility of Messi appearing against Bilbao.

If Messi is absent in the opening match of La Liga, Barcelona shouldn’t have to panic as they already have brand-new ammunition from Atletico Madrid, Antoine Griezmann.

The French striker could be a front-line solution in filling the absence of Messi with Ousmane Dembele and Luis Suarez. Griezmann is one of Barca’s new recruits this season besides Neto, Frenkie de Jong, Emerson and Junior Firpo.