Messi poised for return

Lionel Messi could make his return from injury for Barcelona in the Copa del Rey match against Getafe on Wednesday.

 

The 26-year-old has been out with a hamstring injury since 10 November but is in the Nou Camp outfit's squad for the first leg of the last-16 tie.

 

Messi's return comes ahead of his side's crucial league game at Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

 

Barcelona are top of La Liga but only lead Atletico on goal difference, with both on 49 points from 18 matches.

 

Messi was troubled by injuries in 2013 and the latest of those came when he limped out of a 4-1 win at Real Betis.

 

He was initially treated in Barcelona before being allowed to return to Argentina before Christmas to continue his rehabilitation.

 

He returned to Spain at the start of January but was not fit enough to figure in the win over Elche on Sunday.

 

- BBC