Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova confirmed after his side's 7-0 aggregate Champions League semi-final loss to Bayern Munich that star forward Lionel Messi was not injured but did not feature in the second leg for fear of getting injured.
Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has backed Lionel Messi to "have things to say" in his side's bid to make Champions League history against Bayern Munich
Friday's stories from the world of football including Tito's return, Old Firm woes and Liverpool's Danish scouting mission.
Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova was gracious in defeat after Real Sociedad produced an amazing fightback to end the Primera Division leaders' unbeaten record.
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has said manager Tito Vilanova will be back at work midway through January.
Barcelona have pledged to stand by coach Tito Vilanova after confirming he faces a second battle against cancer.
New Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova this morning put pen to paper on his two-year contract with the Catalan club.
Tito Vilanova was tonight formally confirmed as Pep Guardiola's successor as Barcelona coach, agreeing a two-year contract to take charge at the Nou Camp until June 2014.