Messi and Puyol Boost for Barcelona
Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi is set to return for Saturday’s La Liga match at Osasuna.
The 26-year-old has been missing since straining a muscle in his right thigh during the Catalans’ 2-0 victory over Almeria on September 28.
The World Player of the Year returns as Gerardo Martino’s side aim to record a record ninth straight win since the start of the season.
Carles Puyol also returns after six months out with a knee injury.
The Barcelona captain had surgery on his right knee and is likely to line up in defence alongside Javier Mascherano, who is also returning from injury.
Dani Alves, Alexis Sanchez and Gerard Pique have all been ruled out of the squad at a crucial time for Barcelona, who take on both Milan in the Champions League and Real Madrid in La Liga next week.
Messi missed his country’s World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay – with Argentina having already qualified for Brazil – to stay in Barcelona and ensure a full recovery.
