FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has claimed that Lionel Messi is on track to be fit for the November 21 clash against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Argentine sensation had suffered a knee injury in the win over Las Palmas, during their match on September 26th, which ruled him out of competition for two months.
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With the El Clasico on 21st November, he was in a race against time to be fit for the table-top clash.
Bartomeu gives positive news on Messi recovery
Manager Luis Enrique was rather coy when asked about Messi’s recovery in time for the Real Madrid clash. However, president Bartomeu was more positive about the situation.
As quoted saying by Goal.com, Bartomeu said: “I hope he can play as his recovery is within the time frame we had set ourselves.
“I hope all of our players get through their trips with their national teams without injury and with great strength. We will then give our all to beat our rivals.”
FC Barcelona moved three points clear of their arch-rivals Real Madrid this week, going into the international break with a win against Villarreal, while Real Madrid surprisingly lost to Sevilla.
Lionel Messi was the top scorer for the Blaugrana on their march to the treble last season and the reigning Ballon d’Or winner also holds the record for most goals in El Clasico history.
While it was being reported that the Argentine was a week behind schedule with regard to his recovery, recent reports on his return appear far more positive.
The impact of his return will not only be in terms of superior technical ability and performance on the pitch of the side due to his presence, the morale of the players will also receive a huge boost ahead of the all-important tie which has become even more important with the current Catalonia independence debate raging.
