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Lionel Messi: Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde delivers crucial injury update
LIONEL MESSI is back in training and Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has spoken about when the Argentine superstar could return to the starting line up.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi injures arm during Sevilla clash
Messi suffered an injury against Sevilla in October, when the winger broke a bone in his arm.
Barca’s next opponent is Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Saturday and Valverde insists he won’t be taking any risks with the 31-year-old.
"It was an arm injury so it's normal that he's back training quickly, so he can keep in shape and be in contact with his teammates," Valverde said.
"We're going to wait. It's only two weeks since the problem, it's soon, so we still have to wait.
It was an arm injury so it's normal that he's back training quickly, so he can keep in shape and be in contact with his teammates
"The team's form is not making me more cautious with Leo - I'm being cautious because of injury he has.”
However, the Barcelona coach hinted that Messi could make a return for their Champions League game against Inter Milan on Tuesday.
Barcelona have won all the of their Group B matches so far and lead the table with nine points as they go into the game at the San Siro.
"If Messi was ready tomorrow, he'd be there and we would be stronger,” Valverde added.
“He gives us that differential factor and we maintain the block and the sense of the team.
“So, the only thing with Leo is the affect it could have on his injury.
“We want him back. With Leo, we're better."
Valverde insists his side’s 5-1 victory in El Clasico, which saw Julen Lopetegui lose job, demonstrated how far the team has progressed but warned about complacency against Vallecano.
"We have taken a big step forward but what we can't do is stop to think about our opponents,” Valverde said.
"The three points that are on offer in Vallecas are the same amount as you get for beating Madrid.
"Our previous defeat against Leganes can be a message for us, without a doubt.
"The fact that we lost that game gives us a lesson to learn from and we will do that."