After missing the past two months with a hamstring injury, Barcelona star and top footballer in the world Lionel Messi is set to return to the La Liga giants. Barca coach Gerardo Martino said this week that his premier goal-scorer will return to the pitch in time for the Copa del Ray match against Getafe, the first game Messi will suit up for in nearly 60 days. Despite training with his Camp Nou teammates, the 26-year-old did not play in the most recent Spanish Primera Division contest, a match Barca won 4-0 over Elche.
The four-time Ballon d'Or Award winner has battled through five separate injuries already this season and although he has not seen the playing field since November 10, Barcelona will certainly be glad to have his services as they continue to battle for the top spot in the Primera Division. The Argentine's first injury came to his right leg in April and after injuring the leg against Paris Saint-Germain, Messi would go on to suffer wounds to the same leg again in May and September. In addition to those injuries, he was banged up after absorbing blows to his left leg in August and November. Now set to reinsert Messi into the line-up, Tata Martino notes that he'll make a decision on whether or not to start the star before the upcoming game.
“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. All he needs to do now is take part in a competitive game. This was the normal way to do things, and everything should hopefully continue as normal from now on. We will find out tomorrow if Messi starts or not.”
Martino also understands how difficult it can be for a player to come back from an extended period of time off, especially after suffering multiple injuries. After speaking with Leo however, Martino feels comfortable that his leading player is ready for full action once again.
“When a player who has had many injuries in a short amount of time, there can be doubts in their head,” Martino said. “I have spoken with him, he is fine now, so he is back in the squad. Maybe he is lacking some match fitness, but that does not matter with him. It just matters that he is fit again.”
Barca is currently tied atop the La Liga table with Atletico Madrid.
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