Andoni Zubizarreta has commented that Lionel Messi ‘must be given time’ to full recover from his thigh injury.
Barcelona are without the Argentine for a period of between six and eight weeks, after he tore a muscle in the back of his left leg when in action against Real Betis on Sunday.
For the club’s sporting director, Messi’s recovery is above rushing him back too soon.
“Leo is a player of extraordinary demand. With a desire to compete, to be the best every day and that takes a huge toll,” Zubizarreta has considered this week to Esport 3.
“Sometimes it is forgotten that we are just people, human beings. From the bad will come good, he will recover and return at 100 per cent.
“He must be given time and space to feel comfortable, so that he can recharge his batteries.
“We spoke with him, his father, his brother and the medical team. It was decided that the first part of his recovery will be here and the second part in Argentina. It is a consensus opinion.
“The arrival of Argentine national team physio Luis Garcia was agreed upon by both parties. He will always be supervised by our medical services.”