Barcelona news: Lionel Messi set to return from injury in time to face Real Betis to ease Ernesto Valverde’s worries

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Lionel Messi is set to return for Barcelona against Real Betis on Sunday after recovering from a leg injury.

The Argentina playmaker has been out since August 5 with the opening weekend 1-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao heightening the Ernesto Valverde’s need for his talisman to return.

Injuries to Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele mean Messi’s return is even more pivotal, with the Blaugrana looking into the possibility of bringing Neymar back to the Nou Camp, despite loaning out Philippe Coutinho.

The 32-year-old joined his teammates in full training on Wednesday and should be rushed back into the starting line-up.

“It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for and it finally happened on Wednesday as Leo Messi was back training with his team-mates at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper,” read a statement on Barcelona’s website.

“It was the first time he has been able to do that since picking up a right leg injury last August 5.

“He was the star attraction on pitch 2 at the training facility, where the first team was also joined by Inaki Pena, Chumi, Carles Perez and Abel Ruiz of Barca B as well as teenage sensation Ansu Fati from the U19 team.

“The team will be taking a rest on Thursday and will be back at it on Friday morning, with one further workout on Saturday before they take on Real Betis in the first Liga game of the season at Camp Nou on Sunday.”