Share

Messi to return to action

Madrid - Lionel Messi is expected to make his return from a hamstring injury when Barcelona host Getafe in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday after being included in coach Gerardo Martino's 18-man squad for the game.

The four-time World Player of the Year hasn't played since tearing his hamstring in Barca's 4-1 win over Real Betis on November 10.

After beginning his treatment for the injury in Barcelona, Messi then returned to his native Argentina to continue his recovery process during December.

However, he returned to Barcelona last week to begin training with his teammates once more and Martino admitted it had been difficult to leave him out of Saturday's 4-0 win over Elche.

"I have spoken with him and he is in the squad," Martino told a press conference on Tuesday.

"We are happy for him and I am especially happy to have all the players available.

"There was a lot of pressure for him to play against Elche, that would have been the normal thing to do. However, the difference now is that he has had more training sessions with the team.

"Tomorrow we will see if he plays from the start or not."

The news comes also as a huge boost for Martino's men as they travel to face Atletico Madrid in a top of the table clash in La Liga on Saturday.

Both sides are locked on 49 points after 18 games having dropped just five points each so far this season.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE