Valverde won't take any risks with Ousmane Dembélé's fitness
The head coach at Barça confirmed that if the winger doesn't feel ready, he won't play against Lyon
Ernesto Valverde appeared to pour cold water on suggestions that Ousmane Dembele would be available for the return leg of the Champions League against Lyon. The Barça coach said he will only call upon the winger should he be ready to play and won't take any unnecessary risks.
Valverde said this: "We're going to see how he feels and then we'll decide if he's okay or not. If he isn't, then clearly he won't play. It's true that this is an important match but we can't risk using someone who might need to be replaced early. Every detail is important."
Valverde already knows his starting XI
Whatever happens with Dembele, Valverde appeared relaxed and confident about his team's chances of progressing to the next round. "It's the same if I had to put someone else in. All I need to do is make sure I get his replacement right," when asked about Dembele's potential absence.
On whether he knew his team already: "We have a few options but I have it more or less decided. We'll see tomorrow."
