Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lionel Messi is in line to make his return to the squad for Sunday's Ligue 1 clash with Marseille in Le Classique.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has been absent from Les Parisiens' last two games since sustaining the issue against Benfica in the Champions League last week.
Messi was initially classed as a major doubt for the visit of Marseille to the Parc des Princes, reportedly telling his entourage that he was not prepared to take any unnecessary risks ahead of the World Cup.
However, the 35-year-old was pictured in team training with PSG on Friday morning, and Christophe Galtier confirmed at his pre-game press conference that he expects Messi to be fit for the contest.
"At the moment, yes, Leo Messi is operational. He trained normally and did the entire session," the Parisiens manager told reporters.
PSG will be without the suspended Sergio Ramos after his red card in the draw with Reims last weekend, while Presnel Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes are both nursing injuries.
Messi has eight goals and eight assists to boast from 13 appearances in all tournaments this season as PSG aim to maintain or increase their one-point lead over Lorient at the top of the Ligue 1 table.
Ben Knapton
