Santiago Solari: ‘Real Madrid want to face Lionel Messi’

Real Madrid boss Santiago Solari is hopeful Barcelona star Lionel Messi is fit for Wednesday’s El Clasico game: “It is better for us to face the best players.”

The Argentine star is a doubt for Wednesday night’s clash at the Camp Nou which is the first leg of the semi-final between the fierce rivals.

“As a fan of football, we want the best players to play in the biggest games,” Solari told reporters, as cited by Marca.

“It is better for us to face the best players too, that is why we are in the sport – that is the way it is. Will we prepare differently whether he plays or not? Not at all, we have our plan.

“Will Vinicius be selected following his recent form? No player is undroppable from the team, that is how we operate, and we will have decisions to make.

“Does Barca having an extra day to prepare help them? Well obviously I hope that is not the case, but it is a little curious.

“We do not have any say in the calendar, that is for the administration of La Liga and we will do our best with the hand we are dealt.”

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