Messi Won't Play Against Elche

[Folami David]

Four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi will need to wait to make his return from a hamstring injury after being left out of Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino's squad for Sunday's visit of Elche.
.
Messi only returned to the Catalan capital on Thursday after a month of recovery work and training in his native Argentina.
.
Martino insisted that his compatriot looks in fine shape, but is still someway short of being fully match fit.
.
"In my view Messi is full of desire, I think he is in very good shape physically and has the look of a killer," said Martino.
.
"He needs to gain more rhythm from training with his teammates and then in competitive action, but he is doing very well."
.
Barca are hoping that Messi will be fit to play some part in their top-of-the-table clash away to Atletico Madrid next weekend.
.
And Martino wants to ensure that his side maintain their position as league leaders with a win against Elche ahead of their trip to the Vicente Calderon.
.
"There is no reason why we should take a step back in the way we have been playing.
.
"The players have returned in good shape and we hope to start the league again with a high level of performance."
.
Despite Messi's absence, Barca have been boosted on the injury front as Victor Valdes is fit again to take his place in goal.
.
Neymar and Xavi Hernandez also return to the squad which won 5-2 away to Getafe last time out, but Dani Alves and Sergio Busquets miss out due to illness and suspension respectively.

[femifemzy3]

They have a certain Neymar so Messi's absence should not be a problem. He has to return soon though for their UCL clash against Man City

[Nifemi Donald]

Well maybe his injury needs a game rest and then he'll be fully fit to return to club action for Barcer.

[femifemzy3]

Messi is just going to be fit soon so the fans should be patient.