Ernesto Valverde says Lionel Messi is feeling a lot better after injury, but the Barcelona boss will wait until tomorrow to decide whether the Argentine starts against Borussia Dortmund in the teams' Champions League clash at the Signal Iduna Park.
Messi has missed Barca's opening four games in La Liga this term after picking up a calf injury on his return to the Catalans' pre-season preparations last month, but the club captain returned to training on Sunday and is part of the squad that travelled to Germany on Monday.
Asked at the pre-match press conference if Messi would play on Tuesday, Valverde said: "A week ago, we weren't clear at all that he would be ready in time, but in the last training sessions he has been with the team, he has finished well and the fear of feeling pain is leaving his head.
"He has improved a lot. We will decide tomorrow."
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen spoke before Valverde and said: “Messi is training hard. It’s the coach’s decision. But he’s getting stronger and we hope he can help us soon."
Asked later if he was looking forward to the Argentine's return and whether he had been missed, he said: "I am, as always. We all know he is an example for many and of course you miss the best player in the world.
"When he is not there, of course that shows. Now he is with us and let's hope he can play in these games and help us."
