Mallorca vs Barcelona: Setien offers updates ahead of the first game back.

With Barcelona gearing up for their Spanish Primera Division showdown with Mallorca, manager Quique Setien has offered updates on the fitness of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. The Blaugrana’s South American duo have been under the spotlight due to their injury concerns but the Camp Nou gaffer has made positive revelations regarding the two attackers.

The play has returned to La Liga, with Sevilla’s 2-0 win over in Matchday 28’s opening game being the first match played in the country’s top-flight since the COVID-19 pandemic forced it into suspension. The Catalan giants, who lead the standings by a mere two-point, will resume their title defense on Saturday with a trip to Son Moix.

All eyes have been on Messi, the club’s captain. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner picked up a thigh injury upon returning to training, which left fans fearing he would miss the return of La Liga. As for Suarez, the question was whether he had recovered from his serious knee injury due to the long break, having undergone surgery in February.

Much to the joy of Barcelona lovers, Setien confirmed that both strikers are fine and well. However, while the tactician admitted that Luis will be involved in Saturday’s game, he added that he will not be playing the entire game.

“He’s [Messi’s] ready to play, he’s perfectly okay. He’s trained well, there is no problem,” Setien confirmed (as per Goal) in his pre-match conference.

“Messi and a lot of these players know how to gauge things and how to save their strength when necessary.

“As for breaks, we’ll see. For some, the more time they’re on the pitch, the better.”

As for their Uruguayan no.9, Setien had this to say: “Surely he is to be a starter, but not for the full 90 minutes,” the Barca boss explained.

“We will not take risks after five months. It will be good for him to play and he will need games to be the same as he was before.”

Barcelona will be keen on resuming their campaign with a victory. Real Madrid, who sit in second place, are only two points behind and could thus catch up to or leapfrog the Blaugrana should Messi and Co. slip up. Will they, though?.