Barcelona vs Deportivo La Coruna - Lionel Messi and Samuel Umtiti in frame for Barcelona return

Posted Friday, October 14, 2016 by PA

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is yet to decide whether Lionel Messi will make his comeback from injury in Saturday's LaLiga clash with Deportivo La Coruna, despite confirming the Argentinian is back in training.

Messi has missed the last three Barcelona games with a groin injury but is in contention to make his return at the Nou Camp as the reigning champions look to get their defence back on track.

Enrique's side are currently fourth in the league and two points off leaders Atletico Madrid following a surprise 4-3 loss at Celta Vigo before the international break.

But Messi will not necessarily be rushed back as Enrique looks to ease him back to match fitness, along with defender Samuel Umtiti, who has been missing with a knee problem.

"The great news is that players are coming back, such as Samuel Umtiti and Leo," Enrique said at his pre-match press conference.

"Messi has been with the team since Wednesday now. He came back looking good, at a good level.

"When you come back from an injury you need minutes, in both training and in games. I'll speak to him about (playing on Saturday) but in principle he's ready to play, as is Samuel Umtiti."

Messi could instead make his return in Wednesday's Champions League clash against Manchester City as former Barca boss Pep Guardiola makes an emotional return to Catalonia.

But Enrique insists Deportivo are the only team on his mind at the moment, having beaten them 8-0 at the Riazor back in April.

"There is only one game for us and that game is against Deportivo," he added.

"Even more so because in the league we can quickly get points back and the only way we can do that is to win our game.

"We know how difficult it is to prepare for a game with everyone together for only a couple of days, but thinking about another game next week is a mistake.

"We lost to Alaves after the last international break (a 2-1 defeat in September) and don't want to repeat that situation. We have to get the three points to start thinking about other things further down the line."

Deportivo may have suffered a heavy defeat in the most recent meeting between the two sides, but they did secure a 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp last season after being two goals down.

Summer signing Raul Albentosa admits Saturday's game will become more appealing to the visitors if Messi does not return to Barcelona's starting line-up.

"I do not want to play against the best because there are more chances that they win the game," he said.

"They are the best in the world and for that, I prefer for him not to play. It's difficult, of course, but let's go and play without any fear and try to get the three points."