Barcelona's injury update on Sunday, October 14th included the return of Lionel Messi and his right-back, Ansu Fati, after they both sustained muscle strain in their respective matches against Real Madrid.
Lionel Messi returned to training on Saturday afternoon, having missed out on several weeks due to injury. The Argentine star was reportedly feeling "good" but had been battling with a lower back problem for a few days now, which has forced him to miss out on most of the team's games this season.
However, it is understood that the injury will not affect Messi's role as captain of the squad, which is currently dominated by Luis Suárez. In fact, Suárez himself has been praised for his leadership and tactical skills during the pandemic, despite missing out on some of the club's key fixtures.
Meanwhile, Ansu Fati returned from his two-week absence from the squad after suffering a calf injury in a friendly match against fellow countryman and former Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba. The midfielder was initially ruled out for six months, but he has since been given a further extension to his injury, which should allow him to be fully fit for the upcoming Champions League group stage matches.
Fati's return comes at a crucial time for the Catalan side, who are looking to secure a top-four finish next season under new manager Xavi Hernandez. However, the injury could potentially impact their chances of qualifying for the Europa League, where they face off against fellow La Liga giants Real Madrid later this month.
Overall, while the injury update remains relatively minor, it highlights the ongoing struggles of many of Barcelona's key players, including those who have played through injuries themselves. It also underscores the importance of ensuring the health and well-being of all members of the footballing family, especially those who may be unable to play or perform at their best due to injury.