Andres Iniesta: Lionel Messi "essential" for El Clasico

Andres Iniesta has claimed that it is "essential" for Barcelona to have Lionel Messi fit if they want to beat Real Madrid in Saturday's El Clasico at the Bernabeu.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner has been sidelined since September with a knee injury, but is expected to play some role tomorrow after returning to training this week.

Given his lack of playing time as of late, Iniesta admits that he does not know how much the Argentine, 28, will be able to contribute in the Spanish capital.

"I haven't seen Messi much but the news is good. He's training with us, the feelings are very positive and hopefully he'll be with us. He's essential for the team," he told AS.

"If he's in the squad it's because he can play as a starter. It's difficult to say how it'd be best to use him. The longer he's on the pitch the better but we'll see."

The Catalans sit top of La Liga by three points to their fierce rivals Real.