Lionel Messi begins light training ahead of Barcelona vs Manchester City

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has taken a step towards his recovery from a groin injury, undertaking light training on Monday (3 October). Mundo Deportivo and Sport reported the news, with the Argentine hoping to be fully fit for the crunch Champions League encounter with Manchester City on 19 October.

Messi was ruled out for around three weeks after sustaining an injury in his right abductor during a against Atletico Madrid on 21 September.

"Messi will be out of action for around three weeks. The Argentine star tore a muscle in his groin in the second half of the game against Atlético Madrid at Nou Camp," Barcelona reported at the time. "As such, Barça will be without the best player in the world for the three games that the Blaugranes have before the next break for international fixtures: league games against Sporting Gijón and Celta Vigo and the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Champions League."

The Barcelona forward has so far missed victories over Sporting Gijon and Borussia Monchengladbach as well as the 4-3 defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday.

He is expected to take advantage of the upcoming international break to regain full fitness ahead of the home game with Manchester City.

Mundo Deportivo and Sport report that the Argentine returned to training for the first time since the injury on Monday morning, making some light runs on the pitch along with fitness coach Edu Pons while the rest of his teammates enjoyed a day off.

The Catalans host Deportivo la Coruna on 15 October before their Champions League clash with Manchester City. Mundo Deportivo suggests the plan is for Messi to play some minutes against the Galician side to gain match fitness and be ready to start when Pep Guardiola returns to the Nou Camp on 19 October.

Samuel Umtiti has also missed recent games due to injury but Barcelona are yet to provide any update on his recovery.