Messi returns for Barca after long lay-off
Lionel Messi returned to the Barcelona squad after over three
months on the sidelines when coach Frank Rijkaard named the
Argentine forward in the 18-strong list for Sunday's match at home
to Racing Santander.
The 19-year-old has been out of action since breaking a bone in his
left foot during the 3-1 league win over Real Zaragoza in early
November.
Leading striker Samuel Eto'o returned to action in the closing
minutes of last weekend's 0-0 draw at Osasuna after a four-month
lay-off with a knee injury.
With Ronaldinho also in the squad after recovering from a bruised
knee, Rijkaard now has his first choice attack at his disposal
ready for the Champions League clash with Liverpool later this
month.
Iceland striker Eidur Gudjohnsen was left out of the squad as were
injured defenders Lilian Thuram and Silvinho.