by Tim Stannard

Late decision due over Lionel Messi fitness ahead of Clasico cracker  

Camp Barcelona is gearing up for the first of three Clasicos in 25 days and Ernesto Valverde is busy doing everything possible to coax Lionel Messi's thigh muscle into action after it was strained in Saturday's match against Valencia. 

From soggy tea bags, to shamen to Donald Trump's mad-haired personal doctor. Anything goes. 

While Messi's name will almost certainly appear in the squad list - just to cheer up the rest of the players if nothing else - that doesn't mean that the footballer is ready to play. 

The local papers are pouring through the entrails with Barcelona-based daily 'Sport' claiming that Messi should be given the all-clear to have a good run at Real Madrid's back four which has just two clean sheets in the past seven games. 

Another name being waited upon is Ousmane Dembele, who could return to the Barcelona squad after four games out with an ankle injury. 

Our crack Sports Burst team will bringing the latest news, views and bold predictions on the live show at 12PM ET / 9AM PT. Just head to our beIN SPORTS Facebook page.

Bale out, or Bale in decision for Santiago Solari

Over in Camp Real Madrid and Santiago Solari also had a decision on whether to play a star forward or not. However, the choice is more voluntary on whether to field Gareth Bale from the start, a player who has the constant potential to be injured rather than suffering from a current injury as in the case of Lionel Messi. 

The soothsayers are suggesting that a forward line of BBV could be lining up against Barcelona, but with a mystery over the V - whether it be Vinicius or Lucas Vasquez. 

Madrid has its finally training session before the game and pretty much everyone was at Solari's disposal. Even Isco should the Argentinean want him. Which is doubtful. 

Our El Clasico coverage gets underway with Kevin Egan from 2:30PM ET / 11:30AM PT on Wednesday. 

Do you have DIRECT TV and are fretting that you won't be able to catch this clash and the other two? 

Do not fear! Get yourself signed up to a streaming service like Sling or Fubo. Takes seconds for hours of fun. 

Neymar sees red at big Paris birthday bash 

If we are lucky, then a birthday consists of a cake plonked onto a small cafeteria desk and about three minutes of half-hearted attention from co-workers. 

Not for Neymar. Heck no. The footballer turns 27 today and his bash on Monday night in downtown Paris was an Eiffel Tower-sized sponsored event featuring fancy guests clad in red. 

Unfortunately, Neymar had to pull the 'sick day' look at the party, pottering around (and dancing) on red crutches as his foot-bone healed for the second time in two years. The sources of Sports Burst (reading a newspaper, basically) say that the footballer considered canceling the event but then thought better of it after sponsors suggested otherwise.  

The PSG man who is set for a couple of months on the sidelines wished for a new metatarsal as a birthday present. And some good Netflix recommendations. 

Marseille need to end fan 'wines' with vintage Bordeaux win 

While el Clasico dusts itself off and gets into gear there is still plenty to catch the eye on beIN SPORTS on Tuesday. 

Early doors, there is a rather critical Ligue Un game for a Marseille side that has contrived to lose three from four to slip into mid-table, rather than hovering at the top end. 

Bordeaux is the visitor to a spiky Orange Velodrome, a team not exactly having a vintage year either. "This is the most difficult moment of my coaching career," admitted maudlin Marseille boss, Rudi Garcia. That game is live on beIN SPORTS CONNECT at 12.45PM ET / 9:45AM PT. 

The Copa Libertadores second round of qualifying gets underway on Tuesday on beIN SPORTS ahead of the big group launch in a month's time. 

The network has a tantalizing double-header with Brazil side, Atletico Mineiro at Danubio at 4.05PM ET / 1:05PM PT followed directly by Universidad de Chile visiting Melgar. However, CONNECT will bring you a whole smorgasbord of games including the Copa Sudamericana qualifier featuring Chapecoense.