Lionel Messi returns to Barcelona squad for Celta Vigo clash with Andre Gomes also back from injury

Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes could return to action when the La Liga leaders host Celta Vigo on Saturday (2 December) after being included in Ernesto Valverde's 18-man squad.

Lionel Messi, Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba and Samuel Umtiti are also back in the list after the eight first-team players were rested for the 5-0 victory over Murcia in the second leg of the Copa del Rey last 32.

Meanwhile, Valverde has dropped Nelson Semedo and Gerard Deulofeu due to technical reasons while Arda Turan and Javier Mascherano remain on the sidelines alongside long-term duo casualties Ousmane Dembele and Rafinha Alcantara.

"Barça boss Ernesto Valverde has announced his 18 man squad for the game at home in Camp Nou against Celta Vigo on Saturday at 1.00pm CET," the club confirmed.

"The coach is slowly getting players back from injury: in midweek Sergi Roberto made his return against Murcia in the Copa del Rey and for the game against the Galicians, André Gomes returns to the squad for the first time since picking up an injury against Oympiacos in the Champions League. Missing from the list are the injured players Arda, Dembélé, Rafinha and Mascherano as well as Semedo and Deulofeu."

Gomes, 24, has missed the last five games after picking up a hamstring injury during the Champions League goalless draw at Olympiakos on 31 October.

However, the Portugal international has been training with the rest of his teammates since last week and he will be available to face Celta if called upon by Valverde.

The news is a boost for the Barcelona boss ahead busy month which will include a visit to Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the La Liga campaign on 23 December.

Sergi Roberto is also in the squad after the versatile midfielder already made his return from another hamstring injury during the dead rubber with Murcia.

Valverde has been forced to leave two available players out of his squad to face Celta in the form of Semedo and Deulofeu.

The Portuguese right-back made the starting line-up during the thrilling 1-1 draw with Valencia at weekend and also played 63 minutes against Murcia.

But the Barcelona boss has decided to give his summer signing a rest, with Sergi and Aleix Vidal ready to cover at right-back.

Deulofeu also featured in the last two games but the former Everton winger will also miss the clash with Celta.

The visit of the Galicial side will also come too early for Turan, Mascherano, Dembele and Rafinha despite the Turkey playmaker returning to training on Thursday [30 November].

The Catalans remain at the top of La Liga table after 13 games, four points ahead of Valencia and eight clear Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.