La Liga: Messi back in training for Barca before Betis clash

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi trained normally on Saturday and midfielder Sergio Busquets was also back working with his teammates as the La Liga leaders prepare for Sunday's (Monday, PHL time) potentially title-clinching game at home to Real Betis.

[Related: Messi misses training before Betis La Liga clash]  

World Player of the Year Messi damaged a hamstring just over a month ago and although he had been given the all-clear by medical staff he was unable to play in Wednesday's (Thursday, PHL time) Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich.

 

Busquets, who has been suffering from a minor groin problem, also missed the Bayern game as Barca were thumped 3-0 in the semifinal second leg for a humiliating 7-0 aggregate reverse.

 

"Leo Messi and Sergio Busquets, who had not been able to work at the same pace as their teammates in recent sessions, trained normally," Barca said in a statement on their website.

 

Victor Valdes was still suffering pain in his left foot and forward Pedro missed training because of a bout of gastroenteritis.

 

Barca have an 11-point lead over last season's champions Real Madrid in second and need five points from their remaining five games to secure a fourth title in five years.

 

If Real fail to beat Real Valladolid at home on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time) a Barca victory against Betis would be enough as they would be at least 13 points ahead with only 12 left to play for. - Reuters