By Daily Sports on August 21, 2019

Lionel Messi is set to hand Barcelona a fitness boost, with the club’s captain set to be ready to face Real Betis on Sunday.

The Argentina international missed Barca’s opening day trip to Athletic Club as the Catalan giants succumbed to a stunning Aritz Aduriz overhead kick.

With Luis Suarez limping off in the same game with a calf injury and it revealed on Monday that Ousmane Dembele is set for five weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, it seemed all of the attacking responsibilities would be heaped on the shoulders of summer signing Antoine Griezmann.

However, Barcelona have been handed a major boost with Goal learning that Messi is now ready to be included in Ernesto Valverde’s plans.

The 32-year-old picked up a calf injury early in his pre-season preparations having returned from Copa America duty, and has been training away from the main group.

He is now back in full training, though, as the Blaugrana look to get their first points on the board.

Messi is expected to be named in the matchday squad, and it is likely he will feature from the bench.

A double session has been scheduled for the diminutive frontman during the week, taking his tally to five training sessions ahead of Sunday’s clash.

While Barca host Betis, Real welcome Real Valldolid to Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday and Atletico go to Leganes the following day. (Goal)

•Photo shows Lionel Messi 

Source Daily Sports

Posted August 21, 2019

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