According to the latest reports from Spain, the Barcelona forward trained with the reserve team earlier today as he hopes to be fit before the crunch tie with their fierce rivals, Real Madrid. Confirming the reports, Barca’s Team B manager Gerard Lopez, revealed that he had seen some positive signs of recovery from the 28-year-old, who picked up an injury back in September 26 when Barca were playing Las Palmas.
Speaking to Sport, the Spanish tactician said:
"Leo completed training. I saw him well and I am glad that the recovery is positive."
"I saw him happy and lively."
He added:
"Messi adapted to our training and even helped with tactical aspects to prepare the team."
"I am delighted that we could have him for two trainings with us and not lose two days of recovery work."
Barcelona have been in fine form ever since the Argentine picked up an injury, thanks to the deadly and dreaded partnership of Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr. Although he is expected to miss the highly-publicized match, chances are still high that he could make a late return to the squad a few days before kick-off.
Messi, getting ready for El Clásico, has so far missed 12 competitive matches since he got injured: - 9 with Barcelona - 3 with Argentina
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) November 16, 2015
The Spanish giants now top the La Liga table with three points above their weekend opponents and Messi is the all-time El Clasico top scorer with 21 goals. Before picking up an injury in September, the four-time FIFA Ballon d’Or winner had played 7 matches for Barcelona, and scored 3 goals.
