BARCELONA — Barcelona has recovered forward Lionel Messi from a minor leg injury and captain Carles Puyol after a seven-month absence in time for its upcoming games against AC Milan and Real Madrid. Barcelona team doctors cleared Messi and Javier Mascherano Friday after muscle injuries in their right legs. The 35-year-old Puyol was also deemed fit after recuperating from surgery on his right knee, which ruled him out of 27 consecutive matches since he was injured against Milan in March. “(Puyol) is like a boy who has just made his debut in the first division,” Barcelona coach Gerard Martino said. “You can't help but notice how excited Puyol is to be back with the group. I love seeing that because it means that whatever he may be lacking for not having played he will make up for in enthusiasm.” Messi, Puyol and Mascherno made the squad for Saturday's game at Osasuna, when Barcelona will try to match a Spanish league record with a ninth straight win to start the season. Dani Alves, Alexis Sanchez and Gerard Pique were all left off the squad to give them more rest after a week of matches with their national teams. “I didn't leave the three off for medical reasons,” Martino said. “It's a question of travel time and playing minutes.” Forward Isaac Cuenca also received medical clearance after undergoing right knee surgery in June. “I am very happy to be able to be in the squad after a number of months,” Puyol wrote on his Facebook page. “Thank you to everyone for your love during this time.” Barca travels to face AC Milan in the Champions League Tuesday before hosting Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season next weekend. “Pique had a problem which already affected him against Valladolid and he didn't finish the game,” Martino said. “Against Belarus you could see he was suffering, but after playing against Georgia he told me he was better. “He has not been left out because he is injured, but to rest. He could have played tomorrow without any problem.” Barcelona could equal the Spanish league record with a ninth consecutive win to start the campaign with victory in Pamplona. And Martino insists they will be fully concentrated on the Osasuna clash before turning their attention to Milan and Madrid. “For a team like Barcelona when you are left with practically five players for two weeks, the first game after the international break is very important,” he said. — Agencies
