Paris: Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard says he will leave the decision on whether to include Argentine forward Lionel Messi in his squad for the Champions League final against Arsenal until the morning of the match.
"The whole team is in good shape and Messi will join in training and we'll make a decision on the final 18 tomorrow," the Dutchman said on Tuesday.
"We are all happy that Messi is recovering and so is he but we'll have to wait until tomorrow to see."
The dynamic 18-year-old, has been sidelined since tearing a thigh muscle in the second leg of his side's tie against Chelsea on March 7 and his most likely role will be as a substitute.
Goalkeeper Victor Valdes said whether or not he played, Messi's return to fitness was a boost to the team.
"Messi is very important for us but the decision as to whether or not he plays is down to the coach. He is working very hard to do his best to be ready."
Rijkaard, a three-times winner of the European Cup as a player with Ajax and AC Milan, dismissed suggestions that his previous success in the competition would give him an edge over opposite number Arsene Wenger.
"I don't think there is a key quality that guarantees victory," he said, before adding tongue-in-cheek: "Well, we all know one thing that does guarantee victory and that is to score one more goal than the opposition.
"Seriously, though, I think every thing starts with hard work and humility. We are just excited to be here and are looking forward to playing such a prestigious game.
"It is important to enjoy the occasion but we also have to strike the right balance with hard work."
The 43-year-old former defender also denied that the fact that his side had beaten English champions Chelsea in a previous round gave them the edge over the Londoners.
"Playing a final is always a unique occasion so I don't think you can compare Arsenal and Chelsea. What is true is that they are both strong teams but the past games won't have an influence.
"I don't believe in psychological advantage. It's dangerous to think you have it. Our concern should be to play the way we always do."
"I think Arsenal have hit form at the right moment and the results they have achieved have given them more confidence. In all their games they have only conceded two goals, so they are a great team but that is what makes the final so special."
Barca skipper Carles Puyol was also quick to reject the favourites tag. "Outsiders can think what they want about us being favourites but we respect Arsenal a lot and any final is 50-50," said the Spain centre back.
"Arsenal are very strong in defence and very good on the break and they have quality players to play that way perfectly."
"For me (striker Thierry) Henry is one of the best players in the world. He's very quick and extremely dangerous but we can't afford just to concentrate on him because they have so many other good players who can also cause problems."
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