Lionel Messi Injury: Barcelona Star Available for Alaves After Groin Problem

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi will be fit to feature against Alaves on Saturday, after manager Luis Enrique revealed the forward won't be hampered by the muscle strain he suffered on international duty.  

The Blaugrana take on the recently promoted Basque outfit in Week 3 of the 2016-17 campaign, and Enrique told the media on Friday that Messi is in line to feature in some way against the minnows, saying: "I've spoke with him and we know how he is."

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

Enrique was then asked whether the 29-year-old will be fit to play against Alaves, to which he simply responded "yes," although Spanish daily Sport reported Barca "are not keen to risk him."

Newspaper AS reported on Tuesday that Messi was a doubt for Saturday's clash, having played the full 90 minutes of Argentina's recent 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, in which he scored the game's only goal.

Barcelona suggested via Twitter that the Argentinian would be ready to line up alongside Luis Suarez and Neymar against Alaves after posting a photo of the trio back in training together on Friday:

Messi hasn't missed a minute of the league campaign so far this term, but the MSN hasn't yet been seen as a complete set, with many at the Camp Nou awaiting the return of the devastating attacking trio.

It's an exciting prospect for manager Enrique when considering his men have still managed to retain a 100 percent start to the season and sit joint-top at LaLiga's summit.

The Catalan club pose their greatest threat when Messi, Suarez and Neymar are in the starting XI, meaning Barca supporters only have bigger and better things to look forward to.

It's likely Arda Turan would be dropped from the starting lineup if Neymar slots in alongside Messi and Suarez against Alaves, with the latter two having already started in both the club's Primera Division games this season.