Luis Enrique 'to make final Lionel Messi call'

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique will reportedly decide whether Lionel Messi will face Deportivo Alaves this weekend after the Argentine picked up a groin problem on international duty.

The 29-year-old, who initially retired from international duty after the Copa America earlier this summer, suffered the injury in Argentina's 1-0 win over Uruguay in Friday's 2018 World Cup qualifier.

Messi has since been ruled out of his nation's qualifier against Venezuela on Wednesday, and it is reportedly unlikely that the forward will be fit to return for his club side this weekend.

According to various reports in Spain, Enrique will consult with Barcelona's medical staff before deciding whether to risk the attacker ahead of the Champions League group match with Celtic next week.

Messi's expected absence could allow new signing Paco Alcacer to make his debut for the Spanish giants.