Lionel Messi has continued training with Barcelona B as he recovers from a knee injury and could be a substitute in the Clasico fixture against Real Madrid.
Messi hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury in late September against Las Palmas and was said from the outset to be cutting it close to be fit for the trip to Santiago Bernabeu.
The Argentine returned to training last week and continue his comeback even as the Barca first team members not on international duty were given a few days off over the weekend.
Mundo Deportivo reports Messi working under Gerard with the B team on Saturday morning, as he did on Friday, and that members of Luis Enrique’s first team staff were watching.
The report notes, however, that it is still not known if Messi will be ready for Madrid, and a decision is likely to be taken in the coming days.
It’s suggested that Enrique could name Messi among the substitutes for the Clasico, and turn to him if need be as he did against Atletico Madrid in September, when Messi was given a rest due to international appearances and the birth of his second child.
Messi entered the match at Vicente Calderon after 60 minutes with Barca and Atleti drawing, and went on to score the winning goal.
Ivan Rakitic has also been training at the same time in an effort to return to fitness, but Mundo Deportivo note he is recovering at a slower pace than Messi.
