Lionel Messi Set For Barcelona Return

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has received a boost with the news that Lionel Messi is fit and back to form ahead of this weekend's clash with Osasuna.

The Argentina international was unavailable for the Champions League defeat of Celtic and the Liga win over Real Valladolid due to the thigh strain sustained in last month's trip to Almeria, while he was also absent for his country's World Cup qualifiers with Peru and Uruguay.

However, the 26-year-old attacker resumed full training earlier this week and is now ready to make his Blaugrana return in Pamplona.

"Ready to come back," Messi wrote next to a picture of him training on his Instagram account.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner has made nine appearances in all competitions for Barca this term, scoring 11 goals.