Lionel Messi is set to return to action for FC Barcelona after missing the last three games of La Liga side owing to injury. Ahead of the Catalan giants' clash against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, this remains the major news.
The little magician had picked up an injury during a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid last month and which made him miss Barcelona's subsequent games against Sporting Gijon, Borussia Monchengladbach and Celta Vigo. Luis Enrique's side come into the game at the back of a shock defeat against Celta but the presence of Messi, this time around, can drastically change the morale of the team.
Defender Samuek Umtiti, who has been recovering from a knee injury, could also be set for action as will the likes of Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Lucas Digne, Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez, who are returning from their international duties. The trio of Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba and Jasper Cillessen, are however injured and cannot participate in the game.
In every way possible, the home side look the far better side but having said that, Deportivo cannot be brushed off as another easy challenge. Last season, the Spanish team came two goals from behind to record a draw at the Camp Nou. Similar thing happening this time around too? That needs to be seen.
What can possibly seen is the return of MNS -- the trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar -- upfront for Barcelona in the match.
"In a game like this we have to play our very best, and hope that they don't have their day and we get a little bit of luck," said Deportivo coach Gaizka Garitano ahead of the match. "You need all three of those things and the only one we can do anything about is the first. For the rest, we're at the mercy of what they can do and of fortune too."
Schedule
Barcelona vs Deportivo La Coruna is set to get under way at 7:45 pm IST (3:15 pm BST, 10:15 am EST) on October 15.
Where to watch live
INDIA: TV - Sony Six/HD. Live streaming - Sony Liv.
UK: TV - No telecast. Radio commentary - Radio Barca.
USA: TV - beIN Sports, Fubo TV. Live streaming - beIN Sports Connect.
SPAIN: TV - beIN La Liga. Live streaming - beIN Sports Connect Espana.
