Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi has returned to training with the club ahead of their La Liga fixture against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.

Messi had been kept out of action for three weeks after picking up a groin injury in his side’s 1-1 stalemate against Atletico Madrid last month.

The Argentine’s return will be welcome news to the Catalan club as they have struggled for consistency in the superstar absence, most notably succumbing to a 4-3 loss away to Celta Vigo, leaving them trailing the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico by three points.

The side will be further boosted by the return of France international Samuel Umtiti, with the central defender also close to a return after straining a knee ligament last month.

‘Both Leo Messi and Samuel Umtiti, despite neither yet being declared fit for selection as they battle to recover from injury, were able to join the rest of the team for the workout,’ the club announced in a statement.

Meanwhile, the club will have to contend with a trio of new injuries picked up by stars away on international duty. Spanish fullbacks Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba are doubts for the weekend clash, while Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen also has a problem.

The clash against Deportivo will be played at the Camp Nou.

Kick-off is at 16:15.