Messi left out of Barcelona squad for Villanovense game

The Argentine, returning from a knee injury, will not feature in the Copa del Rey game, but Luis Enrique has included Neymar and Luis Suarez in a strong squad

Lionel Messi will sit out Barcelona’s Copa del Rey meeting with Villanovense at Camp Nou on Wednesday, but Luis Enrique has included Luis Suarez and Neymar in his squad.

Messi returned from injury as a second half substitute against Real Madrid in the Clasico win in November and has since played from the start in wins over Roma and Real Sociedad.

However, Enrique has decided not to risk the Argentina international against the third division side following a two-month lay-off with a knee injury.

The Catalan club’s manager perhaps has one eye on this weekend’s trip to Valencia and the Club World Cup later this month.
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