Boy, have they missed him.
According to reports, Lionel Messi is back in training at Barcelona's training facilities. For the first time since limping off against Atletico Madrid on the 21st of September, he was able to put in a couple of sprints and undergo some light training.
Earlier, new Argentina manager Edgardo Bauza had complained that Barcelona were overworking his captain, and he had a point. He had missed a World Cup qualifier with a groin problem, but four days later he turned out for Barca – and again three times over the next 12 days. The Argentine coach later apologised for his comments, but his palpable frustration was understandable – Messi is missing the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Peru (on Thursday) and Paraguay (next week)
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For now, it's good news for Barca fans – who have seen a Messi-less Barcelona struggle in attack against Monchengladbach, and more recently, against Celta Vigo. The last game, in particular, was a painful watch for Blaugrana fans – Gerard Pique had to turn attacker-in-chief even with Neymar and Suarez on the pitch.
Messi – who had until Monday been restricted to training with the club physiotherapist, Roger Girones, - trained with the fitness coach Edu Pons yesterday. He was reportedly able to do full sprints and now enters the next phase of his recovery.
The next phase involves half an hour of continuous running, and undergoing a number of exercises under supervision. Messi had earlier stated that his mind was set on a return to action on October the 19th against former boss Pep and his high-flying Manchester City.
That return looks to be on schedule now, though Barca have promised that they won't cut any corners and rush Messi back into the thick of things, but his return to training is sure to boost Barca's flagging morale.
Also, Read – Twitter trolls Barcelona and Ter Stegen after shock 4-3 loss against Celta Vigo
Alongside the Argentine superstar, Samuel Umtiti too returned to training on Monday. Considering Barca's recent defensive fragility, that comes as a huge boost too.
Barcelona currently sit fourth in La Liga, but are topping their Champions League Group despite not convincing last week, and can do with the boost - Luis Enrique will be a relieved man right about now.
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