He’s BACK!

Lionel Messi has been declared fit for El Clasico on Saturday after over 7 weeks out as he suffered a tear in the medial collateral ligament of his left knee. He resumed training earlier this week and is looking in good shape.

If we’re being honest, it would be a surprise if Leo is put straight back into the starting line up in such a gigantic fixture, but he will almost certainly get a significant amount of game time, and will no doubt prove incredibly effective as an impact substitute.

In other team news, Rakitic also has a chance of making the bench but hasn’t recovered in time to be in contention to start. For Real Madrid, Benezema is still a doubt and Keylor Navas who has been outstanding for Los Blancos this season is hoping to shake off a knock.