BARCELONA: Manager Tito Vilanova says he will shoulder some of the blame if he cannot coax better showings out of struggling Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas enjoyed a flying start to his career with the Blaugrana when he joined from Arsenal last season but has suffered a dive in performance in the new campaign.

"Cesc is a world-class player who would get into any team in the world," said Vilanova to AS.

"At Barca, it just happens he has to compete with players who have been the best in the world in recent years in their positions.

"I don't agree that Cesc has not been playing well. The coaches must also be held responsible. If I can't get the best out of him, you can't just blame the player - I must be to blame too."

Meanwhile, Vilanova announced his squad for tomorrow (2am) at Getafe, with Carles Puyol set to return and Jordi Alba due to miss out with tonsillitis - joining Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez on the injury list.

Vilanova he will also gauge Lionel Messi's fitness before the clash at Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

The Argentine wizard played a full 90 minutes in his country's World Cup qualifier with Peru last Wednesday, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

"I talked to Messi and he said he has recovered well. I'll talk to him again before the game. It depends how he feels. Then I'll decide what to do," said Vilanova.

"There's nothing we can do. We've got great players who get called up to their national sides. If we win our games no one will speak about the issue."

Vilanova said he is not thinking about Barca's five-point advantage over Real Madrid in the title race after the champions suffered a disappointing start to the season.

"I'm only concerned about what we do. We're on nine points. There are so many points left to play for and the gap is too small to be looking over your shoulder," he said..

"The aim is to win every game. We don't think too far ahead. There is no point. Getafe is a difficult ground to go to."

Vilanova also insisted he would not rush back Spain international striker David Villa, who is still returning to full match fitness after having broken his leg in December, before he hits his physical peak.

"He's ready to play. He might be able to start a game soon, but we're not going to rush things," said the 42-year-old.

- mD

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