Valverde: No Risk Over Messi Inclusion
Lionel Messi is back for Barcelona after a broken arm and Ernesto Valverde insists he has no fears over his star forward's fitness.
Ernesto Valverde insists he is not taking a risk by including Lionel Messi in Barcelona's squad to face Real Betis.
Umtiti has not been involved since September due to a knee problem, but Valverde is confident both players are now ready to be involved.
"We understand that any player theoretically can play the game, but of course there is always a period where you need to be careful," he said.
"The other day we also knew there was a risk but the fact they've been training with the squad I don't think there's a major risk [now]."
On Messi specifically, he added: "We'll find out tomorrow if I decide he can play 90 minutes or not.
"I think he's lost his fear of taking a fall and provoking further injury, that's out of his head. It does affect you mentally.
"You can't be thinking 'I can't do some strange gesture that causes me pain'. I think he can play, he's pretty assured, I think he'll be okay."
Valverde also confirmed goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is fine to play, despite having been omitted from Germany's squad for the upcoming international window to rest a minor shoulder injury.
"That's what's been decided with the national team. We are keeping a close eye on Marc at the moment, but he is able to play tomorrow," Valverde said.
"He doesn't have any problems, but we'll keep a close eye on him like we have the last few weeks."