Sports / Soccer
Messi back for training after hamstring injury
04 Jan 2014 at 10:08hrs | Views
Lionel Messi has put in the hard yards in Argentina in order to overcome his thigh injury. Photograph: Handout/REUTERS
26-year-old Argentina star, Lionel Messi on Thursday returned to Spain from Buenos Aires, to start training after a five-week absence with a hamstring injury.
Messi reportedly went straight to Barcelona's training ground and took part in a practice session with his team-mates.
The Spanish champions said the four-time Ballon d'Or winner is "yet to be declared match fit" for Sunday's La Liga match against Elche.
Messi was ruled out for between six and eight weeks after limping out of a 4-1 win at Real Betis on 10 November.
He was initially treated in Barcelona before being allowed to return to Argentina before Christmas to continue his rehabilitation.
Leaders Barcelona host newly-promoted Elche in their first game after the Spanish top-flight's winter break.
They are top of the table ahead of Atletico Madrid on goal difference after 17 games, with Real Madrid five points adrift in third place.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Victor Valdes is available against mid-table Elche at the Nou Camp after recovering from a calf injury.
The Spain international, 31, has not played since injuring himself in a friendly against South Africa on 20 November.
Understudy Jose Manuel Pinto has conceded eight goals in eight games - with Barca winning six and losing two - during Valdes' absence.
The Spanish keeper has already announced he will leave the Catalan club at the end of the season after 12 years in the first team.
Messi reportedly went straight to Barcelona's training ground and took part in a practice session with his team-mates.
The Spanish champions said the four-time Ballon d'Or winner is "yet to be declared match fit" for Sunday's La Liga match against Elche.
Messi was ruled out for between six and eight weeks after limping out of a 4-1 win at Real Betis on 10 November.
He was initially treated in Barcelona before being allowed to return to Argentina before Christmas to continue his rehabilitation.
They are top of the table ahead of Atletico Madrid on goal difference after 17 games, with Real Madrid five points adrift in third place.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Victor Valdes is available against mid-table Elche at the Nou Camp after recovering from a calf injury.
The Spain international, 31, has not played since injuring himself in a friendly against South Africa on 20 November.
Understudy Jose Manuel Pinto has conceded eight goals in eight games - with Barca winning six and losing two - during Valdes' absence.
The Spanish keeper has already announced he will leave the Catalan club at the end of the season after 12 years in the first team.
Source - BBC
