Lionel Messi has been included in Barcelona's squad for Sunday's La Liga match at Real Betis after sustaining a bruised knee in Wednesday's Champions League game against Benfica, Barca said on Saturday. The Argentine World Player of the Year initially appeared to have suffered a more serious injury after colliding with Benfica goalkeeper Artur late in the 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp but tests ruled out anything worse than bruising. "The Barca number 10 trained with the rest of his team mates on Saturday and (coach) Tito Vilanova has decided to take him to Seville," the club said in a statement on their website (www.fcbarcelona.es). "The Argentine footballer has recovered from the bruising to the bone on the outside of his left knee which meant he had to be taken off the pitch on Wednesday on a stretcher," they added. "After the collision with Benfica keeper Artur the Barca forward had been working hard to be available for the coach as soon as possible." Vilanova also have Alexis Sanchez, Dani Alves and Marc Bartra available for the Betis game after the trio were declared fit by club medical staff on Saturday. Vilanova's unbeaten side are seeking a 14th win in 15 matches this season and top the table with a La Liga record 40 points, six ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid. The club have struggled playing away against Betis in recent times and have only managed one win in 11 matches at the Benito Villamarin stadium since 1999. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports)
