Sport: Leo Messi set to be on Barcelona bench for Real Madrid El Clasico clash [Mundo Deportivo]

It may be international break, but The Catalan press are already obsessed with the upcoming El Clasico to take place at The Bernabeu next Saturday evening.

And, for most Barcelona supporters the fitness and well being of Leo Messi is critical to the chances of Luis Enrique’s side bagging a result.

In truth, Neymar and Luis Suarez have been in stunning form during Messi’s recent injury absence, but it looks like the Argentine will be available for at least part of El Clasico.

Messi has been injured since the end of September after picking up a knee injury against Las Palmas at the Nou Camp.

Mundo Deportivo report that Messi has been training with the Barcelona B side in recent days, and is getting better.

Some members of the Barcelona B team have informed journalists that Messi may even be able to play for longer than 30 minutes against Real Madrid.

Barcelona are confident that Messi will make El Clasico, but the Argentine still has to work on the injured knee and prove his fitness ahead of the crucial La Liga clash.

Messi will rest on Sunday and train with the Barcelona first team on Monday.