Lionel Messi has returned from Argentina and resumed training with his Barcelona teammates while he waits to be cleared by team doctors to play.

Messi tore his left hamstring on November 10 and had been in his home country recovering since November 29.

Barcelona also said that goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been given the go-ahead by team doctors to return.

Valdes looks set to start for Barcelona in Sunday's home Spanish league match against Elche for his first action in six weeks since hurting a right leg muscle while playing for Spain in a friendly at South Africa.

Barcelona had their only two losses so far this season playing without Messi and Valdes.

Barcelona lead the Spanish league along with Atletico Madrid.

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