Lionel Messi begins rehab to finish healing leg
Lionel Messi hasn't played since hurting his leg on November 29. Barcelona expect him to return to the pitch in early January. He is recovering in his home country of Argentina.
Barcelona say Lionel Messi will begin a period of physical rehabilitation to complete his recovery from a leg injury. (Also read: Messi criticises Barca vice-president over contract talks)
Barcelona say medical tests "confirmed the good progress" of Messi's left hamstring tear and that now he will focus on building up the strength in his leg.
Messi hasn't played since hurting his leg on November 29. Barcelona expect him to return to the pitch in early January. He is recovering in his home country of Argentina. (Messi fends off money-laundering claims)
The 26-year-old is currently in Argentina as he undergoes treatment, but has been joined in Buenos Aires by Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and club doctor Ricard Pruna.
"The fitness test and scan carried out this morning by doctor Ricard Pruna at the training facilities of the Argentine Football Federation in Buenos Aires showed good progress in Lionel Messi's injury," the club said in a statement.