Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are available for the Barcelona derby against Espanyol

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde said he would have forwards Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez for the derby against Espanyol on Saturday.

Messi, who scored twice in the return leg against Barcelona 4-0 in December, was dismissed from Argentina's second international match against Morocco due to an injury to the groin. Suarez has recovered from a sprained ankle.

When asked if the Argentine striker would be 100%, Valverde told the Spanish media: "We think so. He's been uncomfortable for a while, but we're trying to get him back.

He had a few days of rest. We will be careful with him as he is vital for the rest of the season. & # 39;

Barcelona are currently at the top of the La Liga with a 10 point lead over Atletico Madrid and have 32 points ahead of their opponents on Saturday. However, Valverde, former player and coach of Espanyol, insisted that both teams have an additional interest in the match.

"We think it's a derby, which is very motivating for us and for them," he said.

"After this break is the decisive part of the season and we have three games this week.

"We know what we are facing. Every match is very important and there is less time to recover. & # 39;

The striker from Espanyol, Sergio Garcia, insists that his team comes to the derby of Barcelona to win.

"A derby is always special," he told rcdespanyol.com.

& # 39; They are our rivals of the city and we are looking forward to seeing match day and getting a good result.

"In this type of game, you never know. (The camp of Nou) is a very difficult ground but we leave with clear ideas and in order to obtain three points. & # 39;