Messi training with Barca B and nearing full fitness ahead of the Clasico

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has resumed training with the B team and appears to be nearing full fitness.

Gerard Lopez, the coach of the Catalan club's second team, says he has seen positive signs from Messi, who has been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury against Las Palmas on September 26.

The Argentine is expected to miss the Clasico against Real Madrid on Saturday because of the injury, but Lopez revealed Messi has been training with his team and is making progress.

"Leo completed training. I saw him well and I am glad that the recovery is positive," Lopez said, according to Sport. "I saw him happy and lively."

Lopez added that he was pleased to have the 28-year-old training with his squad.

"Messi adapted to our training and even helped with tactical aspects to prepare the team," he said.

"I am delighted that we could have him for two sessions and that he didn't have to lose two days of recovery work."

Despite Messi's absence, Luis Enrique's men top the La Liga table by three points ahead of rivals Madrid.