Lionel Messi has completed the first stage of recovery from a thigh injury and will travel home to Argentina on Friday to continue his recovery.
The Barcelona star picked up the in the injury in a league match against Real Betis on November 10th and the World Player of the Year is likely to be out until the middle of January.
Club doctor Richard Pruna and physio Elvio Paulorroso will join him in Argentina next month to help with the final phase of his recovery.
In a statement form www.fcbarcelona.com – the club said: ‘His development is positive as the latest tests conducted show.’
Messi will miss Barcelona’s final Champions League group game against Celtic on December 11. Celtic have already been eliminated from the group stages but Barca will be looking to secure the top spot against Italian side AC Milan.
He could be back in time for the January 12th La Liga game to second-placed Atletico Madrid, who are three points behind leaders Barca after 14 matches.
By Rory Whitelaw
Tweet me your thoughts and opinions – @HEELRory
