体坛英语新闻：Vilanova confirms Messi's presence against Betis on Sunday

MADRID, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova on Saturday confirmed that Leo Messi will play in his side's BBVA Primera Liga tie away to Betis Sunday.

Messi had been a doubt after being carried off injured after a collision with Benfica goalkeeper, Artur on Wednesday. It had looked for a moment as if Messi had badly injured his knee, but after two days working in the gym Messi trained with the Barca squad on Saturday morning and Vilanova included him in the squad for Sunday's match.

"He is in good shape after the training session and has no problem. We are not going to take any risks with Messi or any other player, but if he didn't feel Ok, he wouldn't travel. If he is there, it is because he is in condition to play," said Vilanova, who added that virtually the only thing that would keep Messi out of the side was if he felt bad in the pre-match warm up.

"Once again he has shown how much he wants to play and he always wants to play. We are pleased about that because it makes u stronger," added the Barca coach.

Betis are currently enjoying a fine season and are battling for a place in next season's Champions League and two weeks ago the side from Seville defeated Real Madrid in the Benito Villamarin Stadium.

"They always make it difficult for us and I like to face teams like that rather than those who close up in defense. They are a good team and they have beaten Madrid so it is going to be a tough match," said Vilanova who again insisted that his side could not assure they had won the league yet, despite an 11 point lead over Real Madrid and six points over Atletico Madrid.

"We know we have to win every game and that is what we are going to try and do tomorrow against Betis," he said.