Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella gave his perspective on Lionel Messi's injury today, Wednesday. Sabella explained that although Messi has shown a notable improvement, they want to be cautious and do not want to risk starting him in Friday's game against Colombia – the big match of the day's South American qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup.
'Pachorra' stated that there is a possibility of him not making the starting line-up because he has not played regularly of late: "Messi's leg is fine. He's looking fast, extremely fast, but we have to look at his inactivity. We have a training session on Thursday," said the manager, who did not rule out playing an attacking midfielder (Walter Montillo) in his place.
Sabella also regretted the absence of Fernando Gago, who has not recovered from his injury: "Together with Mascherano, he formed the core in the middle of the pitch." The manager said that Lucas Biglia might take his place.
Sabella mentioned Radamel Falcao, the Colombians' lethal striker. "He's a great, consistent player. He plays with intensity. He has got great technique and is good in the air. He's gutsy when he attacks and is extremely consistent. We can't afford to give him an inch of space," he warned.
Demonstrating his usual level-headedness, the manager cautiously noted that Argentina still has not secured qualification for the Brazil World Cup, and any points which it can win against Colombia and its following opponent, Ecuador, will be crucial. "We're in a good position, but we haven't qualified. We're mistaken if we think that," he finished by saying.