Messi named in Barcelona squad for Inter clash

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Messi named in Barcelona squad for Inter clash image

Lionel Messi has been named in Barcelona's squad for their Champions League clash against Inter.

The Blaugrana released the news on Sunday, stating that the Argentine has been included "without medical all clear."

Barcelona have been without Messi for their last four games in all competitions after he suffered a fractured arm in their 4-2 win over Sevilla on 20 October.

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However, Messi returned to training on Wednesday and has now been included in the squad for Barcelona's trip to Inter.

Barcelona and Inter sit first and second respectively in Group B in the Champions League as both sides battle to qualify for the knockout stage.

Ernesto Valverde's men have been in stunning form without their star man, recording victories over Inter and Real Madrid.

The Liga giants also defeated Cultural Leonesa and Rayo Vallecano in Messi's absence but his return is a huge boost with away clashes against Inter and also Atletico Madrid to come.

Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart, however, believes Valverde should not "risk" Messi if he is not fit to face Inter.

In an exclusive interview with Goal, he said: "Messi should decide that on his own, with the medical staff, I would not risk an out-of-this-world player like him.

"Valverde has been very sensible saying that we need him but we are not going to risk a repeat of the injury. 

"Messi takes care of himself, he exercises and that is good because when his arm is cured he will be available and in perfect shape right from the off."

Messi has been in fine form so far this term, scoring 12 goals with Barcelona top of La Liga and in control of their Champions League group.

Inter, meanwhile, are also in high spirits with Luciano Spalletti's side second in Serie A and aiming for revenge after their 2-0 reverse against Barcelona in their last Champions League tie.

Full Barcelona squad for Inter: Ter Stegen, Cillessen, Semedo, Pique, Rakitic, Busquets, D. Suarez, Coutinho, Arthur, Messi, L. Suarez, Dembele, Rafinha, Malcom, Lenglet, Alba, Munir, Roberto, Vidal, Pena, Chumi and Alena.

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