Messi doesn't train with Barça squad, does recovery work in gym
The club insist there's nothing out of the ordinary as concerns over a thigh problem continue
Lionel Messi did not train with the rest of his teammates on Friday, Barcelona's first session in preparation for Athletic Club on Sunday after the Clasico draw with Real Madrid.
According to club sources, the Barça forward did recovery work in the gym, as is normal in the first session after a game. They insist that there's no difference here to the player's normal routine.
Defender Samuel Umtiti, though, did return to training. He took part in some of the workouts with the squad.
Since Messi injured his thigh against Valencia last weekend, Ernesto Valverde has minimised his workload. He only trained the day before the Madrid game and only played 30 minutes in the Copa del Rey Clasico.
Everyone is now waiting to see if he will be fit to play at San Mames on Sunday. Barça have a week off after that game. They next face Real Valladolid at Camp Nou next Saturday.
Even though there's been no official medical statement from the club, Messi has a thigh problem. Valverde will not take any risks going into the decisive stage of the campaign.
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