Barcelona and Argentine forward Lionel Messi will join the club’s second day of training at 11 am today in preparation for the first El Clasico of the season

Messi will train again today Tuesday. Photo credit: FC Barcelona

Messi who had not featured for the club and country  since the end of September when he picked a knee injury  returned to training on Monday.

The Club, leading  La Liga by three points, will play at second-placed Real Madrid in the first of the season’s two ‘Clasicos’ on Saturday 21 November.

Barca have performed well in the Argentina captain’s absence, however, with Uruguay striker Luis Suarez and, especially, Brazil forward Neymar in fine form.

“The session included Leo Messi, who is continuing his recovery from the left knee injury he picked up on Sept. 26,” Barca said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.es).

Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic, sidelined since damaging a calf muscle in the Champions League Group E game at home to BATE Borisov on Nov. 4, was also back in training, they added.

With 11 matches played, Barca, who are chasing a sixth La Liga title in eight years, lead Real by three points, with Atletico Madrid a further point behind in third.