Barcelona team news: Lionel Messi returns to training ahead of La Liga trip to Malaga

Lionel Messi has returned to Barcelona's training sessions ahead of the La Liga trip to Malaga on 23 January. However, reports claim Aleix Vidal missed the training session on 21 January after the versatile wing-back picked up a knock during the 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-finals a day earlier.

The Argentina international suffered a knock in the La Liga 6-0 victory over the Basque side on 17 January, being replaced by Arda Turan at half-time. Barcelona manager Luis Enrique later revealed Messi "had a little discomfort" but he opted to rest him at San Mames ahead of crucial fixtures in January against Malaga, Bilbao and Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona coped with Messi's absence at San Mames and took a slight lead thanks to first-half goals from Munir and Neymar. Even though a late goal from Aritz Aduriz reduced the advantage, the result was positive considering Luis Suarez missed the game due to suspension, leaving the Brazil international as the leader of the attacking trio with Turan and Munir.

With Messi back in training, there's a good chance the Ballon D'or winner will return to the attack alongside Suarez and Neymar for the trip to Malaga.

However, Vidal's availability is more uncertain, according to Mundo Deportivo. Despite the report suggesting the player is only suffering from minor discomfort, Barcelona are yet to make an official update about his fitness.

Jordi Alba, Jeremy Mathieu and long-term absentee Rafinha Alcantara may remain on the sidelines for the visit to Malaga after they missed the Copa del Rey game. However, Claudio Bravo is expected to return in goal ahead of Marc Andre Ter Stegen.