Uncertainty still surrounds whether or not Lionel Messi will be passed fit in time to start for Barcelona against Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening.
The Argentine has been recovering these last three weeks from a thigh injury sustained in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Heading into tonight’s first leg semi-final against Bayern, the 25-year-old has yet to receive medical clearance.
However, the signs have led to speculation in Spain this morning that he will do so in time to be permitted to start for La Blaugrana at the Allianz Arena.
Messi took part in the first 15 minutes of yesterday evening’s training session that was open to the public, following on from the previous couple of days’ involvement with the main group.
Meanwhile, Sport and AS both also believe that Marc Bartra will line up alongside Gerard Pique in the centre of defence, in Adriano, Javier Mascherano and Carles Puyol’s collective absence.
The hosts are without Mario Mandzukic through suspension and Toni Kroos through injury.
Probable line-ups
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba; Muller, Javi Martinez, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Gomez, Ribery
Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Bartra, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Alexis, Messi, Pedro
