Report: Lionel Messi to return in January

Lionel Messi is expected to return to the first-team fold for Barcelona at the beginning of January.

The 26-year-old has been out of action since the middle of November after picking up a thigh injury in a league match against Real Betis.

It had been reported that the Argentine would not return until the beginning of February, but reports in Spain have claimed that Messi will be back to full fitness after the winter break.

Messi is currently undergoing treatment in his home country.