Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says Lionel Messi is excited about comeback ahead of El Clasico

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is in the squad for El Clasico

FC Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has confirmed Lionel Messi will be named in the squad for Saturday’s El Clasico match, according to ESPN. Enrique has declared the superstar to be fit for the highly-anticipated clash against rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu but insists he is not ‘fully fit’.

The Spanish champions have been handed a major injury boost with the recovery of their ace man, who suffered a knee injury during the side’s 2-1 win over Las Palmas in September. Since then, the Argentinian has been on the sidelines for the past two months.

Barcelona coped well during his absence thanks to two of the in-form attackers Luis Suarez and Neymar, who stepped up and sent the side to the top of the La Liga table with a three-point lead over their fiercest rivals.

Messi returned to training during the international break and Luis Suarez had suggested earlier this week that the only remaining question was whether the four-time Ballon d’Or winner would start the game or come off the bench in the second half.

Messi is excited about his comeback: Enrique

Enrique has confirmed that Messi will feature against Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu, but the decision on whether he will make the starting lineup will be made before kick-off.

“With respect to Leo, he’s back with the squad and the feelings are positive,” the Barca boss said in the press conference ahead of the Clasico.

“We know he won’t be 100 percent, that’s impossible because he’s just coming back from injury, but it is great for us to know that he is recovered.

“I can tell you Leo is excited about his comeback. The great news is he is fit again. I don’t have things planned yet. I will speak with Leo today and again tomorrow. An hour before the game, things will be decided."

Ivan Rakitic set to make comeback against Real Madrid

There is no doubt the Barcelona fans will be excited to see their star man back in action on Saturday. On the other hand, Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic is also in contention for the game against the Galacticos despite suffering a calf injury against BATE Borisov in the Champions League earlier this month.

There were initial reports in Spain that Rakitic would be out for a month, but the Camp Nou faithful will be relieved to know that he trained with the squad this week and the Spanish coach has confirmed he is available for selection once again along with Messi.

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