Lionel Mesi is in line to make his return for Barcelona against Getafe in the Copa del Rey this Wednesday.
The 26-year-old has been out of action since November 10 with a hamstring injury, but has been selected in the Nou Camp outfit’s squad for the first leg of the last-16 tie.
Messi had returned to training last week after an extended rehabilitation period in Argentina and the club doctors have now given him permission to rejoin the match day squad.
Whether the four time Ballon D’or winner starts the Copa del Rey clash remains to be seen, with Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino refusing to discuss his plans for the player.
“Messi rehabbed well and has trained like the rest of the team,” Martino said.
“Maybe he lacks some playing time, but with Leo I don’t think that will be a problem.
"Messi gives us all a boost of confidence. With him at our side, we all feel more secure.”
Following the Argentine’s injury against Real Betis, Barcelona suffered loss to Ajax in the Champions League and Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.
However since then Martino’s men have recorded six straight wins in all competitions, maintaining their position at the top of the table.
The Catalan giants lead La Liga due to a superior goal difference to second placed Atletico Madrid, who also have 49 points.
The pair are due to meet in the league on Saturday at the Vicente Calderon, making Barcelona’s match with Getafe an important fitness test for Messi.
Martino will be keen to have his star striker firing on all cylinders for the counter with Atletico, meaning he may well use Messi sparingly on Wednesday.
The match against Getafe is the first of the two-legged affair, with the return leg set for the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on January 16.
