Messi back in training, El Clasico given Asia, US-friendly slot

Global superstar Lionel Messi returned to training with Barcelona on Wednesday following three weeks out with a groin injury.

France international defender Samuel Umtiti also returned to training according to a statement on the Catalan giants’ website.

“Both Leo Messi and Samuel Umtiti, despite neither yet being declared fit for selection as they battle to recover from injury, were able to join the rest of the team for the workout,” said the statement accompanied by a photo showing Argentine Messi at training.

The statement also said the likes of Spanish internationals Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets had returned following the international break.

Pique was in the photo alongside Messi and Brazil’s Neymar.

Messi, 29, tore a muscle in his groin during the 1-1 draw at home to La Liga title rivals Atletico Madrid on September 21.

Umtiti, 22, had strained a ligament in his knee the day before in training.

The returnees provided a welcome boost for Barca who saw Spanish full-back Sergi Roberto and back-up goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen of the Netherlands return from international duty injured.

Another full-back, Jordi Alba and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic are also out.

Barca host Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday before Manchester City visit the Camp Nou next week for a crucial Champions League tie, with the Premier League outfit’s Catalan coach Pep Guardiola returning to the club he led to two European titles during a glorious four-year spell.

Barca have had an inconsistent start to the season, thrashing the likes of Real Betis (6-2), Celtic (7-0) and Sporting Gijon (5-0) but losing 2-1 at home to Alaves and falling 4-3 at Celta Vigo.

They currently sit fourth in La Liga, although only two points behind leaders Atletico.

They top their Champions League group after winning their opening two games against Celtic and Borussia Moenchengladbach (2-1).

Meanwhile, December’s first high profile clash of the season between Barcelona and Real Madrid will take place at a time that suits Asian and North American television audiences, La Liga’s president said on Wednesday.

The ‘Clasico’ will take place at 4.15pm (1515 GMT) at Barca’s Camp Nou on December 3.

La Liga president Javier Tebas said three time slots had been considered before agreeing on the one that would suit both the Asian and North American markets.

“There are seven hours difference with Asia and playing at 6.30pm was too late. And playing at 1pm was too early for the American market,” Tebas told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.

The ‘Clasico’ is a crucial product for La Liga who publicise it as the most-watched club match in the world with 600 million TV viewers.