Lionel Messi will be absent for Barcelona’s first training session today due to flights from Argentina, but is expected back this evening.
The Argentine, who has been out injured with a torn hamstring since mid-November, is anticipated as returning to Catalonia this Thursday to make his return to training ahead of a possible comeback this month against Atletico Madrid.
Messi, alongside the club’s other South American footballers, plus Pedro and Victor Valdes, had been given permission not to resume training until today.
With two sessions set for today, it was assumed everyone would be back for the morning workout, but a combination of flights means that Messi will not be back in time for this morning’s practice, but is expected to report back in time for the evening session.
The 26-year-old is seen as having fully recovered from his injury, but must await examination from Barca medical staff before receiving the all clear.
