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Messi, Rakitic and Umtiti all back in time for Deportivo clash




Ahead of Saturday's match at the Camp Nou, Luis Enrique has pointed out how Deportivo have had two weeks to prepare for the encounter whereas the international break has disrupted the Blaugrana's training plans, though the Asturian boss also insisted this shouldn't serve as an excuse.

Gerard Pique was in the headlines for his decision to leave the Spanish national team after the 2018 World Cup, and for the steps being taken towards the Barcelona presidency once his playing career is over, comments Luis Enrique alluded to in his pre-match press conference.
"Pique can be whatever he wants at Barcelona," Luis Enrique said. "He has a great ability to communicate and expressed his thoughts very well on his decision to retire from La Roja after the 2018 World Cup.
"Not only is he very much a cule, he would be extremely qualified for a number of positions- coach, president, whatever he wants to be."
Handed a fitness boost, Lionel Messi's return will be a welcome development, especially considering how well the Galician side defend.
"Deportivo are a team that defend well and concede very few goals," the Asturian said of Saturday's opponents. "They have drawn two times in their last two visits to the Camp Nou so it'll be a difficult match."

Finally, with Sergi Roberto ruled out, questions were inevitably raised over whether Aleix Vidal was going to start, or if instead, there'd be a change in formation to a 3-4-3 as had been done against Celta.
"All of my players can be starters," the coach said of the matter. "I know the press is intersted in knowing what I plan to do, but I don't want to give my opponents any additional hints.
"It isn't easy to change the situation Aleix Vidal is in, but players of mine in the past have gone from the fringe to becoming undisputed starters."

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