Messi, Ibrahimovic train but in doubt for Real clash

Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic trained on Friday however Barcelona said there is no guarantee the pair will be ready for this weekend’s home clash against arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Argentinian Messi injured his leg in league play on Saturday, and Sweden international Ibrahimovic has been struggling with a hamstring injury.

Both strikers missed Barcelona’s crucial 2-0 Champions League defeat of Inter Milan on Tuesday because of their injuries, however Barcelona fans would be desperate to have one, or both, return in time for Sunday.

Barcelona said Friday the pair are “recuperating well” but refused to say whether either striker would play a role in Sunday’s much anticipated league derby.

Ahead of a fixture known as ‘El Clasico’, being played at Barcelona’s Camp Nou, Real have a one-point advantage over the reigning champions following their best league start in 17 years.