Barcelona forwards Lionel Messi and Neymar are still doubtful for the Club World Cup final against River Plate, coach Luis Enrique told reporters Saturday. Messi missed Thursday's semifinal against Guangzhou Evergrande because of pain casued by a kidney stone and Neymar was recovering from a small strain in his adductor muscle. Messi never played professionally in Argentina and has faced an Argentine side only once before, when Barcelona met Estudiantes in the 2009 final. "Messi and Neymar are both progressing nicely," said Enrique without elaborating. "It's a final and we expect a very tough game. We came here to be crowned the world's best team but in a final there's always a chance for an upset." River boss Marcelo Gallardo unsurprisingly said the Catalan giant was favorite. Barca captured the Club World Cup in 2009 when it beat Argentina's Estudiantes 2-1 and again in 2011 when it thrashed Brazil's Santos 4-0. River, known as "los millonarios" because it is based in the wealthier northern suburbs of Buenos Aires and count politicians, business leaders and celebrities among their fans, won the old Intercontinental Cup in 1986. Mourinho not taking a sabbatical Jose Mourinho attended the Championship match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Middlesbrough Saturday in his first public appearance since being sacked as Chelsea manager Thursday. Mourinho, sporting a newly shaven head and wearing a dark jacket, was photographed in a seat at the Amex Stadium, where his former Real Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka was taking charge of Middlesbrough. The agency that represents Mourinho said in a statement that the 52-year-old would not be taking a sabbatical and would be attending matches in order to provide support to his "friends" in the game. "He will not be taking a sabbatical, he isn't tired, he doesn't need it, he is very positive, and is already looking forward," said a statement from management group CAA. "Because of his love of football, you will see Jose at football grounds working and supporting friends. He will not be attending any high-profile games because he wants to discourage any speculation about his future. "Jose will remain living in London and hopes he and his family will be given the opportunity to do this privately. — Agencies
