Enrique: Key Barcelona trio in great condition

The three players only returned to training on Friday, just two days before the Catalans visit Anoeta for their first La Liga outing of 2015 after the mid-season break.

Most of head coach Luis Enrique's squad returned on Tuesday to begin their preparations and questions have been cast over whether Messi, Neymar and Dani Alves will be fit enough to play - particularly considering the latter two have been struggling with respective ankle and calf injuries.

However, head coach Luis Enrique insists he has no regrets in allowing the trio to have the extended break.

"No they haven't got less chance of playing, I don't think so," he said. 

"They've all come back in fine condition. They've done the fitness work they had to, they [have all] trained and looked fine. They're in perfect condition to play, they're looking fresh. It's good news."

Asked if they would play against David Moyes' side, he added: "Have a look and see what players I pick for the team.

"You'll see by my decision. Obviously we gave them the days off we think they should be given. You'll see my squad selection."

In Sociedad, Barca face a team who they have failed to beat in their past four league encounters at Anoeta.

And Luis Enrique is expecting another difficult challenge when Barca resume their attempt to overhaul leaders Real Madrid.

"We approach the game with enthusiasm and the hope of getting all three points," he added. "It's a strong team we're playing and we have to be careful.

"We have to be intense, we can't allow the team to be dominant in any aspects of the game, that will cause us a lot of problems."

Latest in
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed