Messi set to feature for Barcelona

The Argentine superstar missed both of Argentina’s friendly wins over El Salvador and Ecuador in the past week due to a foot injury picked up in Barca’s crucial 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in El Clasico a fortnight ago.

However, Gerard Pique has revealed that he has spoken to his team-mate, and is confident he will feature on Sunday.

“I am optimistic about Messi, I have spoken to him,” Pique said.

“I think that he can play at Balaidos (Celta’s stadium).

In the end it is up to how he feels during the rest of the week. The medical staff are those who should decide. My feeling is that he will play.”

Sundays trip to Galicia kicks off an intense month for Barca with seven league fixtures and a Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain to come in the next 28 days.

Coach Luis Enrique will be hoping a trip back to the club that he guided to a ninth-placed finish last term will at least see Los Blaugranas maintain their four point lead at the top of the table, following the Clasico success.

However, Celta did spring a surprise by defeating champions Atletico Madrid in February, and defender Andreu Fontas believes a surprise could be in the air.

“After games so physically and psychologically demanding as those against Manchester City in the Champions Leagueand Real Madrid in La Liga, and now with a lot of players going away on international duty, I dont think its a bad time to be playing Barcelona,” Fontas said.

Messi looks set to return to the side, and is likely to start should he be passed fit.

However, Barca will be without the injured Jordi Alba and suspended Javier Mascherano.

In better news, Sergio Busquets will be fit to take his place in the starting line-up for the first time in over a month.

FOX SPORTSASIA